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Bath statement on Jones card

Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Bath City have revealed they will not be appealing Gethin Jones' sending off in Tuesday's clash with Alfreton Town.

Alfreton Town were 1-0 up in Tuesday's clash when Jones was shown a straight red card for challenge on Anthony Wilson.

The decision was contested by many of Bath's players and striker Sean Canham was subsequently handed his marching orders shortly after Jones' departure from the field of play.

A statement on the club's official website read:

The pivotal moment in Tuesday night's match against Alfreton Town was the referee's decision to eject Gethin Jones from the game following what he thought was a dangerous tackle. Several officials at the club have reviewed footage of the incident, both the official match DVD and the short film taken from the stand by supporter James Rudge. Most of us agree that Gethin's challenge was fair, and not deserving a red card.

Knowing what happened and being able to prove it to an FA tribunal are two different matters, however. Appealing a red card costs money and runs the risk of the three match ban being extended. To avoid putting the interests of the club in jeopardy on either count we have had the footage reviewed by a former Premier League referee. He is adamant that there is not sufficient evidence to overturn the match referee's decision.

One further fact has informed the club's decision making process. Gethin has been carrying an injury for several games. It has not been enough to prevent him starting so far, but we believe that the chance to rest and fully recover will be beneficial.

For these reasons the club has decided not to appeal the red card. This should not be interpreted, however, as an endorsement of the referee's decision or a lack of support for Gethin, who remains one of the most important players at the club.