Bobby Madden’s EFL debut wasn’t short of drama as he sent off Lee Tomlin in the first-half of the all-Yorkshire clash between Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers.
The whistler, 43, relocated down south over the summer after transferring from the Scottish FA. Madden, a category one ref, resigned after a 20-year stint which saw him take charge of more than 1,000 matches.
He was kept on his toes on his debut as he had to send off hot-head Tomlin for perhaps one of the strangest things you’ll ever see. The 33-year-old was initially booked by Madden for throwing the ball away. Then just as Bradford got set to take the free-kick, the midfielder did exactly the same thing - before dropping to the ground in an apparent attempt to waste time. He was eventually shown a second yellow by Madden who lost his patience and gave him his marching orders.
Despite being reduced to 10-men for 45 minutes, the visitors managed to dig in and secure a hard-earned point at Valley Parade against Mark Hughes' side, with ex-Hearts forward Jamie Walker lining up in attack for the Bantams.
Substitute Kian Harratt was also shown a straight red after the full-time whistle after an altercation with Rovers keeper Johnny Mitchell.
In other news, Scott Brown’s start to life with Fleetwood ended in disappointment after League One newcomers Port Vale came from behind to secure three points, while Paul Hartley’s Hartlepool, featuring many of his Scottish summer signings, were blown away 4-0 by Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.
READ NEXT
