The FA has has charged referee Darren Drysdale in relation to his clash with Blues midfielder Alan Judge during last night’s 0-0 draw with Northampton.

An FA statement reads: "Darren Drysdale has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following last night's EFL League One game between Ipswich Town and Northampton Town.

“It is alleged that the match official's behaviour during the 90th minute of the game amounts to improper conduct and he has until Thursday 4th March 2021 to provide a response.”

Earlier today, Drysdale released an apology through Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

While Drysdale's conduct has been condemned throughout football, Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish backed the Lincolnshire official, albeit with his tongue presuambly firmly in cheek.

Photo: Matchday Images

arc added 18:00 - Feb 17 Surely, if the ref was misbehaving then Downes's use of crude language should be forgiven.
11

BlueArrow added 18:13 - Feb 17 If the ref had "lost it" was he in the right frame of mind to send Downes off? Asking for a friend.
11

NorthLondonBlue2 added 18:21 - Feb 17 A referee's judgment after such a flagrant breach of the rules surely calls for Downes' red card to be reviewed. The FA don't interfere with decisions made on the pitch but in this case, I think they really should.
7

IpswichToon added 18:34 - Feb 17 The ref was clearly wound up, and just wanted to send an Ipswich player off. I'm hoping it's only a one-match ban for Downes right? Because technically the ref didn't brandish a second yellow card, which would indicate it was a straight red following a yellow. I hope I'm wrong.
1

IpswichToon added 18:34 - Feb 17 The ref was clearly wound up, and just wanted to send an Ipswich player off. I'm hoping it's only a one-match ban for Downes right? Because technically the ref didn't brandish a second yellow card, which would indicate it was a straight red following a yellow. I hope I'm wrong.
0

Suffolkboy added 18:40 - Feb 17 Can be little question that his own fame of mind was less than cool and stable during the last minutes ; so, regrettably, there must be at the least some doubts about the validity of his thought processes and consequent judgements . The whole thing is a terrible mess ; open apologies and forgiveness personally all round seems the best way to get over this incident . COYB

2

dyersdream added 18:54 - Feb 17 Ref was laughing when he sent downes off , Hopefully he gets 6 month ban
0

Help added 19:11 - Feb 17 So the only time ITFC hit the national news is because the ref gets into a handbag moment and is the highlight of the match
4

ThaiBlue added 19:33 - Feb 17 With respect Help it was the only highlight of the match.
1

phillev added 19:38 - Feb 17 Guess what part of a Bell Grealish would be?
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fifeblue added 19:52 - Feb 17 Grealish should be charged by the F.A. for his publicly made comment.
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Morgan added 20:24 - Feb 17 He's human and lost the plot. Because he's a referee doesn't mean he is immune from this, but as he upholds the laws of the game he has rightly apologised and been charged by the FA. No hard feelings from me, we have larger concerns to address.
1

ringwoodblue added 21:32 - Feb 17 This was the biggest talking point of the game as the football was so dire.
1

bobble added 07:02 - Feb 18 we are a weak useless awful football team , surely that is the most important thing to take from this game ?
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:31 - Feb 18 as a one off incident in a way its quite funny especially the photo, BUT it was wrong,and has to be dealt with or others could follow suit.
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:36 - Feb 18 dont let this hormonal moment distract from the main issues facing the club.
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leftie1972 added 10:44 - Feb 18 If this incident teaches the game of football and those in and around it anything then there should be mutual respect for officials and players alike. Of course emotions can affect those involved but lines can't be crossed.Refs need to act more like Rugby officials and the players will know where they stand.
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