Hawke's Bay United soccer team's captain Bill Robertson will receive a one-game suspension after being ordered off in yesterday's away draw with Auckland City.
Kinetic Electrical Hawke's Bay United's acting head coach Perry Cotton described his captain's exit in the round seven ASB Premiership encounter at Kiwitea Street Stadium as a "bit of a blow." However, considering his troops were leading 3-1 when Robertson was shown the red card by referee Anton Riley, it was a major blow.
"It was just before halftime and Bill was ruled to have led with the elbow as he contested a high ball," Cotton recalled before the team caught a flight home last night.
Just minutes earlier Robertson had been involved in a scuffle with Auckland City striker Roy Krishna which resulted in Krishna being marched - which meant both teams played 10-a-side for the second half.
"There was a lot of extra work for everyone and all our boys played well. Not many teams will come to this venue and leave with a point," Cotton said.