Broadmeadow to challenge red card on Bailey Wells after ban for ref contact

The 22-year-old was given the red, the first of his career, late in the 2-0 NPL loss to Charlestown at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday in round nine after he ran into the back of the referee with both hands up. Wells faced an eight-game ban if the offence was deemed "unwarranted contact with and/or conduct" or 11 if it was classed as "threatening or intimidating conduct".

However, the incident was placed under the lowest charge, "unsporting conduct", in the R8 "offences against match officials" regulations. That brings with it a four-game ban plus the automatic one-match suspension for the send-off.

Wells told the Newcastle Herald on Monday that the contact was accidental.

Magic secretary Steve Pichaloff said the club would be challenging the red card at the Obvious Error Panel in the hope of clearing Wells. If unsuccessful, the club will likely appeal the suspension.

While the penalty was on the lightest side of match official abuse sanctions, it still puts Broadmeadow's top-grade side, who are second on 18 points, one breach away from a six-point deduction.

Under Northern NSW Football's new Zero Tolerance Policy, offences against match officials bring a suspended three-point penalty to the offending person's side. A further breach this season from that team will activate a six-point deduction.

** Rain threatened to wash out what shaped as a crucial Wednesday night in the NPL relegation battle.

Cooks Hill (five points) were to host New Lambton (four) and Adamstown (two) were away to Lake Macquarie (three) in catch-up games but showers on Tuesday and predictions of more could force more postponements.

Cooks Hill were dealt a blow on Tuesday with news Daniel Minors' injury from Saturday's 2-2 draw at Maitland was a broken leg.