Royals decide against appealing Roberts ban

Reading have decided against appealing Jason Roberts` red card, which he picked up against Crystal Palace last week.

The 34-year old forward was sent off by referee Andy D`Urso in the 2-2 draw, after being adjudged to have caught Palace defender Jonathan Parr with an elbow. Royals boss Brian McDermott was content it was an accident but after deliberation, the club have decided not to appeal. Roberts will be unavailable against Birmingham this weekend and the opening two games of the Premier League season.

Speaking to the official site a few days ago, McDermott said: ‘I’ve spoken to Andy D’Urso and I’m sure once he sees it he’ll realise it’s a complete and utter accident and the card will be hopefully be rescinded. Fair play to the referee, he said he’s definitely going to look at it. And it was an honest mistake – nothing more than that, that’s how it is sometimes.’

‘I saw it at half time and I’ve seen it seven or eight times since. And this is Jason Roberts you’re talking about – there’s no way he’d ever do anything like that deliberately. He’s running for the ball, and if you’re running you have to have your arms out. I’ve never run yet with my arms down by my side. And he’s looking at the ball all along.’

If the club was to fail in their appeal, it would see the former Blackburn striker have another game added to his suspension. This would now pave the way for Adam Le Fondre to start his first game since January, after some notable substitute appearances.