Ex-referee weighs in on Preston North End man's 'moment of madness' at Norwich City
PNE were beaten 2-0 at Norwich City last Saturday
Preston North End midfielder Jordan Thompson was lucky to avoid a red card at Norwich City, in ex-referee Dermot Gallagher’s opinion.
The former Stoke City midfielder made way on 65 minutes, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side trailing 2-0 at Carrow Road. In frustration, Thompson swung a right foot at a water bottle which travelled into the home end and struck a Norwich supporter.
As reported by Blog Preston, the FA are investigating the incident. Gallagher, along with ex-Cardiff City and Wolves striker, Jay Bothroyd, has now weighed in on the footage as part of Sky Sports’ segment: Ref Watch.
He said: "Why would you do this? Whether he will be reprimanded today, I don't know. The referee hasn't seen it because the substitution has been made and the assistant has got his back to it.
“So, he's lucky he hasn't been seen because it would've been a red card on the day, without doubt. But, doing that is just so dangerous. Somebody was having a drink as well and wasn't aware... just a moment of madness."
Bothroyd added: "I think he has to be reprimanded there, to be honest. That is really dangerous. If that hits anyone in the face it is going to really hurt, but imagine if that hit a kid. I think that is really poor from the player and he should be reprimanded."
The defeat at Carrow Road was PNE’s eighth in 12 games, with just one win in that period. Paul Heckingbottom’s side have drawn blank in seven of those matches, too. Thompson was one of four changes to the Lilywhites’ starting lineup.
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