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Charlton boss Lee Bowyer upset at intimidation from Steve Evans that he says led to striker Chuks Aneke

Gillingham boss Steve Evans was responsible for the dismissal of Charlton striker Chuks Aneke according to Lee Bowyer.

Charlton boss Bowyer hit out at what he saw as intimidation towards the referee from the sidelines, contributing to referee Kevin Johnson issuing the striker with two yellow cards in as many minutes.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans got Chuks Aneke (pictured) sent off according to Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gillingham manager Steve Evans got Chuks Aneke (pictured) sent off according to Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer Picture: Barry Goodwin

Aneke had left Jack Tucker on the ground following a 68th minute challenge that earned him a first caution before missing the ball and taking out Connor Ogilvie two minutes later. Mr Johnson issued the player with a second yellow and ordered him off the pitch.

Gillingham took full advantage of the extra man and struck a late winner.

Bowyer was adamant his man shouldn’t have been sent off and was asked if the Gills manager had influenced the decision.

“Oh for sure,” Bowyer said. “How someone can stand on the sideline and try and get an opponent’s players booked in that way – it is not very nice, not very nice at all. That is why Chuks got sent off.

“(It was) because of the pressure. The intimidation that comes from it. You’re not telling me that both those challenges are yellow card challenges – not a chance.”

Bowyer also felt the Gills got away with a booking for a dive in the box while their defender Deji Oshilaja was cautioned for a similar incident. The Charlton boss was booked by Mr Johnson for his protests at that decision.

“They both should have got a yellow card,” he said. “But Deji gets a yellow card and their fella doesn’t.”

On his own booking, Bowyer said: “I shouted one thing to the fourth official about the diving, which was wrong, if it’s not a penalty then book him but do the same to their fella. His one was embarrassingly bad.

“I didn’t swear but because I shouted I get booked. Are you kidding me? That man (Evans) has not stopped shouting and swearing the whole game and they went to book me for shouting.”

John Akinde won a penalty for the Gills in the game earlier on in the season at Priestfield, a match that finished 1-1. Bowyer felt he dived again, saying: “It’s the same fella who gets the penalty at their ground – a blatant dive.”

Evans commented on Sunday about how they won the game, saying: “Those speaking after the match, looking for reasons why they get beat, perhaps should have been looking for reasons to stop us after we changed the team shape.” You can read more here.

More on the Gills;

Watch the goals and see the pictures from the win at The Valley

A special player...a special goal - Boss salutes match-winner

Match report: Charlton Athletic 2 Gillingham 3

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