3:32pm Friday 6th November 2009
CHORLEY boss Steve Waywell fears football is fast becoming a ‘non-contact’ sport after seeing three Magpies players sent off in their last two games.
The Magpies head to Woodley Sports in UniBond Division One North tomorrow aiming to end a run of three straight defeats.
But Waywell insists Chorley are not being helped by referees who he believes are outlawing tackles in games.
Last week, midfielder Reece Kelly was shown a red card against Colwyn Bay, while defender Wayne Maden recieved two yellow cards at home to Skelmersdale.
In both instances, Waywell is adamant that each of those ‘fouls’ were well-timed tackles.
“It was a great tackle by Reece, but he got a straight red,” said the Magpies boss.
“He got the ball first, and obviously took a bit of the player, but their lad jumped out of the way. The two fouls given against Wayne were very harsh.
“It’s getting to the stage now where football is becoming a non-contact sport.
“The old fashioned tackle – when a player slides across – is almost given a foul every time, even if the player wins the ball.
“I’ve watched a lot of reserve games and you see no tackles whatsoever.
"Players are just frightened of putting a tackle in for fear of getting booked.”
Waywell will be without Kelly and Chris Amadi, who was also sent-off against Colwyn Bay for slapping the opposition goalkeeper.
But the manager has signed former Bamber Bridge defender Jamie Nay and ex-Scarborough midfielder Neil Briscoe
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