Darlington midfielder hopes to duck ban

Last updated : 09 December 2003 By Luke Thornhill
Valentine was sent off in the 70th minute after appearing to headbutt Iron defender Andy Butler, while Darlo were reduced further ten minutes later when striker Barry Conlon was red carded for a repeat of the offence.

The Wales U21 international however insists that he did nothing wrong and will appeal.

He said: "I've looked at the video and have written out my statement. I was clearly fouled by what was a yellow-card offence. The Scunthorpe lad made no attempt to win the ball as I went past him. He just took me out. You don't know that the referee has waved play on when you are lying on the ground.

"When I got up, the lad said something to me and I spoke back to him. I ducked my head because he was coming towards me, and the side of my head touched him on the top of the arm or shoulder.

"Everybody saw the way he went down. I admit making contact with him, but I was not attacking him, just turning my head because I thought he was going to make contact with me."

Darlo manager David Hodgson insists that the club will not pay for any appeal process, having branded the pair as stupid, and says that he will fine them both if the red cards are not rescinded.

After the match Butler was left with a suspected broken nose and a swollen lip.

Barry Conlon has yet to decide on a possible appeal.