Winger Gary Roberts will miss Town's next three games - starting with the Carling Cup clash at Newcastle United tonight - after receiving a three match ban from the Football Association today.
The 25-year old has been retrospectively sent-off for the offence of violent conduct following last Saturday's game at Bristol Rovers after video footage of a mass confrontation between both sets of players in the second-half was reviewed by the match referee.
Roberts will now be unavailable for selection for Town's games against Newcastle United tonight, Yeovil Town on August 29th and Rotherham United on September 1st. Town have chosen not to appeal the decision.
Under the video evidence rules, no further action can be taken against Bristol Rovers player Jeff Hughes who kicked Town Captain Peter Clarke while he was prone on the floor; as the match referee booked the player during the game for 'reckless play', the rules therefore prevent further action. This caused the confrontation that led to Roberts' red card.
At the same time, as a result of the confrontation, Huddersfield Town has also been charged with misconduct, in that HTAFC failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. The Club has chosen to admit the charge. Bristol Rovers has also been charged with the same offence.
Huddersfield Town Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens commented:
"The recording of the incident does not make pleasant viewing; it could and should have been avoided. As a result we have lost a player for three games and face penalties as a Club.
"The kick on Peter Clarke that started it all clearly incensed the players strongly in what was already a tough encounter and things quickly escalated. I saw the kick clearly and expected him to get a red card. The referee judged that the kick did not warrant a red card and the officials did not see the Roberts incident.
"The Club has chosen to admit the charge of misconduct and Gary will not appeal his red card. We will move on and put it behind us."
