Dartford manager Ady Pennock insists there’s no discipline issue at the club and says he’s puzzled by refereeing decisions after four red cards in three Isthmian Premier away games

Dartford manager Ady Pennock has insisted his team are not a dirty side.

The Darts have collected four red cards in three away games already in the Isthmian Premier this season, although three of those decisions could have easily gone the other way.

Sam Smith and Sam Okoye saw red in the remarkable 4-4 draw at Ramsgate on Monday, adding to previous dismissals for Ben Frempah at Dulwich and Michael Olarewaju at St Albans.

Pennock knows any perception from those outside Princes Park that there’s a discipline issue within his squad is wide of the mark.

“We’re not a dirty team,” said Pennock. “There wasn’t a bad foul all game on Monday and that’s both sets of teams.

“At St Albans there was not one bad tackle, Dulwich away not a bad tackle. We’re not a dirty side, we don’t elbow teams or two-foot teams. It’s just the officiating has been very poor.

“It’s tough but it’s even tougher when you’re on the other end of them getting it so badly wrong. Even with free-kicks, you’re seeing decisions being made and wondering what is going on.

“We were up against it last season, and that’s continued already in the five games this season. Last season, we appealed two red cards and got them overturned. When you’re playing with 10 men then you’re up against it and it’s hard to get a result - it’s hard enough with 11 men.

“We’re getting players sent off for arguably nothing. I think it must be something to do with Dartford Football Club as we’re a so-called big club.”

The impact of red cards are not just felt at the time with Darts having to play with 10 men, or nine as was the case at Ramsgate. Suspensions have to be served and the Darts will be facing financial penalties for accumulating disciplinary points if the trend continues.

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