Charlton hitman Jayden Stockley head-butt claim dismissed as ‘not helpful’ to the game

A former FIFA referee has poured scorn on Sunderland boss Lee Johnson’s claim Charlton scorer Jayden Stockley head-butted one of his defenders on Saturday.

Stockley inflicted Sunderland’s first home defeat of the season when he headed home Jonathan Leko’s second-half cross.

Referee Darren Drysdale failed to see anything wrong when Stockley clashed with Tom Flanagan, but Johnson was adamant the Charlton forward head-butted the Sunderland centre-half.

Johnson, who was himself yellow-carded in the second half, said: “It’s an absolute stonewall red card, and he’s then gone on to score the goal so that’s part of the decision making.”

Stockley, a summer signing from Preston North End, has scored five times in 14 League One games this season and has captained Charlton.

Ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider: “I like Lee Johnson, I think he’s a manager for the future, and he’s got a real track record.

“But if you’re going to make comments like this it doesn’t help the game. From what I’ve seen there’s no headbutt.”

A memorial match celebrating the life of former Addick Paul Linger will take place at Cray Valley PM Stadium on Sunday (12noon).

Linger sadly passed away on October 1, aged 46, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Charlton legends will pay tribute – caretaker manager Johnnie Jackson and assistant Jason Euel, Jon Fortune, Carl Leaburn and Kevin Lisbie.

Proceeds go to The Sports Business Club, a networking firm that funds 98 sports clubs and mental health projects all over the UK.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.