AFC Wimbledon boss Jackson on red card for Notts County’s Jatta

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson has talked in more detail about Alassana Jatta’s red card which rules the Notts County striker out of Saturday’s second leg of their League Two play-off clash.

The Dons have a 1-0 lead to bring back to Plough Lane after Riley Harbottle’s goal.

And County will need to overturn the deficit without their top-scorer Jatta.

He was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Alistair Smith in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time.

Gambian striker Jatta, 26, then tangled with Wimbledon players after the red card from referee Thomas Kirk.

He has scored 19 goals and collected four assists in the league this season.

“It is one of them where sometimes they are given and sometimes they aren’t,” Jackson told the South London Press. “He lunges and he is off his feet.

“Jake Reeves got a red card at Doncaster where he literally put his foot up to control the ball, the guy nipped in and he’s caught him – with no intention or malice at all. He missed three games.

“A lunging tackle, in my eyes that was a lot worse than what Reevesy got a red card for.

“By lunging like that, it doesn’t look great. Afterwards he has slapped Neufville around the face and given Smudger a bit on the floor as well. They could be standalone red cards alone. He probably has given them nowhere to go with it.”

Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard, speaking at the weekend, said: “If it was a red card, there was a foul before it where the shirt is around his neck being pulled by the defender which probably makes him lunge for the next ball. If he gives the free-kick, none of it happens.

“I’m speaking with emotion now, I’ve not seen video footage to say if it was a red or not a red, but when we get an opportunity we will make a decision and call [if we are to appeal against the sending off].”

PICTURE: ALAMY