Jones Goes Easy On Cardiff City's McPhail

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has been described in the media this weekend as 'furious', and that he 'slammed' or 'blasted' his captain Stephen McPhail for his petulent sending off against Swansea City yesterday. However, whatever went on in the dressing room - the comments made to the public by Jones have been remarkably understanding given the circumstances.


Supporters were disgusted by McPhail's actions in kicking the ball away whilst already on a yellow card. It left us to play 40 minutes with 10 minutes in our most important game this season. You can't blame the referree, only the individual - made even more infuriating by McPhail's sending off against the Swans first time round!


Jones told the SW Echo:



'A lack of discipline from Stephen has probably cost me three points, when we took the lead we were playing the better football and in charge of the game.'

'It looked like Swansea would have to send more players forward and we might have then picked them off.'

'It`s a lack of discipline on Stephen`s part. He doesn`t normally do it and probably thought he was a little bit hard done by over a few free-kicks that were not given.'



Jones also appeared slightly confused about the reasoning behind the dismissal. Like supporters who must have wondered what went through the head of an experienced proffessional and supposed leader, Jones gave conflicting comments on the issue:



'It wasn`t about the occasion, it was more frustration, but you can`t kick the ball away.'


'The frustration boiled over in the end. That`s what the atmosphere can do to you.'



So in summary....it wasn't about the occasion, but it was about the atmosphere! Whatever, Jones may be keeping his anger 'in house' but McPhail could not have complained if his manager had lambasted him more publically. Maybe, Jones will make his footballing decisions do the talking with McPhail already in poor form and close to losing his place in the side.

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