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| ACTUALITE |
10.05.2009
Andre Bikey blunder costs Reading
Steve Coppell is not a manager to tolerate Didier Drogba-like tantrums among his players and he was quick to condemn the petulance of Andre Bikey which brought an explosive end to this play-off semi-final on Saturday night. In a mad 10-minute spell, the Cameroon defender first conceded the 84th-minute penalty which makes it advantage Burnley as the teams head for Tuesday’s return at the Madejski Stadium. Then, in stoppage time Bikey completely lost his head, kicking out at Robbie Blake and, following the inevitable red card, ripped off his shirt before hurling it to the ground. Bikey, who missed last year’s African Nations Cup final after pushing over a trainer who was treating an injured player, will be suspended for the second leg and also the final at Wembley – should Reading win through. “There is no excuse for that behaviour,” said Coppell referring to the Bikey’s extraordinary show of temper. “I told him we don’t have that at this club and he understands. It was a hugely emotional reaction and his season is now over.” Coppell said Bikey had first been fouled by Blake but said there was “no defence whatsoever” for lashing out. The Reading manager was also left upset by Burnley’s winner, claiming the referee could not have been sure that Bikey’s tug on Steven Thompson was inside the area.
“I’ve watched it five or six times and I still can’t tell,” added Coppell. “Certainly the initial contact was outside the area. There was no input from the linesman and the referee was 10 yards away so it was a guesstimate at best.” Graham Alexander, who is in prime form from the spot — scoring twice against Bristol City last weekend — slammed the ball beyond Marcus Hahnemann.
It was about the only time that Reading had been under serious threat.
They had defended with discipline and looked sure to be returning home on level terms. Indeed had it not been for the excellence of Brian Jensen, the visitors would have led at half-time. He flung himself to repel Jay Tabb’s drive and then responded equally well to Jimmy Kebe’s attempt to beat him at the near post.
There was another major let-off for Burnley later in the half. Following a corner, Bikey headed powerfully for goal with Jensen demonstrating fantastic reactions. This time Kevin Doyle seized on the bouncing ball with Martin Paterson clearing off the line.
telegraph.co.uk
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