Dowd denies using TV evidence

Mifsud apologises for red card

By Mark Buckingham   Last updated: 13th November 2007

mifsud michael coventry west brom sending off

Mifsud: Clatters Hoefkens

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Phil Dowd insists he did not use television evidence to send off Michael Mifsud in Coventry City's 4-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

Mifsud was dismissed for elbowing Carl Hoefkens in the early stages of the match, but there was a lengthy delay before referee Dowd produced the red card.

Dowd moved across the width of the pitch, holding a conversation via his earpiece, and it prompted claims he was receiving guidance from fourth official Andy Hall.

However, Dowd is keen to stress that he was not asking Hall to review video evidence of the incident before sending Mifsud off.

"I made the decision," said Dowd in the Daily Express. "I was asking my other officials whether they had seen anything differently to me."

Truly sorry

Meanwhile, Maltese forward Mifsud has apologised for his dismissal, but is adamant he did not deliberately set out to catch Hoefkens.

"I know that I have let myself down, let my team-mates down and let the fans down," Mifsud told the club's official website.

"I am guilty of not keeping my eye on the ball when I went up for the challenge, but I would never intentionally try and injure another player.

"I thought he was going to jump higher than he did, but I never meant to elbow him.

"I know that my sending off had a big impact on the match and I am truly, truly sorry for what has happened.

"I am devastated that I will miss the next three games and I hope I can make amends when I can play again."