Charlton Ask FA To Drop Ban

The FA decided to increase the young defenders ban from one match to two, after his appeal was rejected last week.

The club has now asked The FA to reconsider this decision in hope that Sankofa will miss just one game.

The Chief Executive Peter Varney stated he has the backing of The FA Premier League.

"The basis of our appeal was the fact that Robin van Persie was in an offside position as he went to receive the ball, and that Talal El Karkouri was the last man and not Osei," explained Peter.

"While we accept the Football Association's absolute right to uphold the referee's decision, we do not accept the appeal was frivolous.

"There is no advantage to the club in making an appeal for which we are required to lodge the sum of £1,500, which has been forfeited by the Football Association."

Varney added: "A number of Arsenal directors felt the sending off was harsh and we had the support of FA Premier League officials in our appeal.

"Osei does not deserve the two-match ban now imposed, so we have asked the Football Association to reconsider the imposition of an extended ban and await their response before deciding on our next course of action."

It was Sankofa's second red card of his career, following a previous professional foul during a loan spell with Bristol City in late 2005.

And the extended ban means Addicks boss Alan Pardew will have to find an alternative right-back for the next two games as England international Luke Young remains sidelined.

The panel's verdict ended what was otherwise a good day for Pardew on a sour note as the Addicks boss was cleared of an improper conduct charge dating back to his time at West Ham United.


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