Cambridge United decide not to appeal James Gibbons’ red card for challenge on Crawley Town’s Charlie Barker

Cambridge United will be without James Gibbons for their next three League One fixtures after the club opted not to lodge an appeal against the red card that he received during the weekend’s 2-0 win at Crawley Town.

The U’s defender was handed his marching orders during the second half at the Broadfield Stadium for a lunging challenge on Charlie Barker.

Boss Neil Harris said during his post-match press duties that he would need to watch the incident back before deciding whether or not to challenge the decision. And having now had that opportunity, Harris believes that the referee made the right call.

Harris said: “I thought it was a very whole-hearted tackle and a real honest attempt of a tackle.

“But the fact that we’ve not appealed the decision shows that we maybe think the referee didn’t get it wrong.

“James has done brilliantly in the two games (since Harris returned to the club) – everyone can see how well he’s done.

“He’s made a tackle, a judgment decision and fine he’s taken the ball, but we understand there’s danger to the tackle. He regrets it but I’ve said to him he was right to go for the ball, he was just a little bit too aggressive.”

The first game of Gibbons’ ban will be tomorrow night’s visit of Stevenage, followed by trips to the north west to face Wigan Athletic and Blackpool.

With Danny Andrew injured, there is no natural left-back option to fill the void, with Harris considering centre-back Jubril Okedina, midfielder James Brophy and wide attacker Emmanuel Longelo as potential alternatives.

“We have to find a solution and we’ve got options. We brought Jubril on (at the weekend) and it was a bit of a different shape. He played left centre-half really with James Brophy at left wing-back,” he added.

“That was slightly different but James has also played there and Manny has played there as well, even though he sees himself playing slightly higher up the pitch.”