Barnsley FC boss Daniel Stendel explains Reyes Cleary withdrawal and outlines stance on Jack Shepherd red card
Daniel Stendel has spoken following Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United
Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel was not expecting to see Jack Shepherd sent off just nine minutes into his side’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United.
Shepherd recklessly crashed into Sibley early on at Oakwell, prompting a furious reaction from the U’s players. The defender was sent for an early bath, putting the Reds at a major disadvantage.
Stendel has not watched footage of the foul back, although has admitted he was anticipating a yellow card.
Daniel Stendel on Jack Shepherd red card
He said: “I haven’t seen it again. I'm 80 yards away. I think it was a really hard decision to say a red card. I expected a yellow card. I haven’t seen it again but for me, it was a really hard decision to give the red card.
“We have to talk about the situation, watch it again, and then we will decide [whether or not to appeal]. Maybe we appeal, maybe not, I don't know.”
Pride following performance
Barnsley managed to take the lead against the run of play, opening the scoring through Vimal Yoganathan. Mark Harris pegged the hosts back but the visitors could not convert their domination of possession into three points.
They went down to 10 men themselves late on, losing goalkeeper Jamie Cumming to a red card following a challenge on Rylan Brownlie.
Stendel said: “I'm really proud and I have to say thanks for this fight. It was again a big hit early in the game against us, but our reaction was great.
“It was big memories from my last time today. The unity from the stands and from the pitch together was great.
“Also thanks for the support over the whole time. Especially when we conceded the goal, it was really important to get this push and say ‘okay , come on guys, fight again’. It was important for our heads today that we can feel the support.”
Reyes Cleary withdrawal
Barnsley withdrew star winger Reyes Cleary in the second half and supporters were left to fear their most coveted attacking outlet had picked up a knock.
Stendel explained: “We talked with him in the last week. He feels a little bit tired, and he has also some cramps, but the idea was to take him in front for counter-attacks, that we have a player who has the speed and the quality for runs like that.
“He has to work a lot also against the ball, a lot of runs, and I think it was the right decision to take him out and bring Rylan in.”