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Eastleigh's Jake Hesketh will serve a three-game violent conduct ban for slapping the referee's hand in innocuous fashion at the weekend.
The former Southampton midfielder was shown his marching orders in bizarre fashion on the stroke of half-time against Weymouth.
As much as I disagree with the decision apologies to the boys and the fans! @DannyWhitehall1 I owe you a pint and a box of pro v1s🤝 https://t.co/JeuSXtqvuQ
— Jake Hesketh (@JakeHesketh) January 2, 2022
10-man Eastleigh, who play in the Conference Premier, scored a dramatic 93rd minute winner to come away with a 3-2 victory.
But the club were unsuccessful in their appeal over the extremely harsh decision involving Hesketh.
They had argued that National League rules stipulated that if a player made contact with a referee that wasn't intrusive or aggressive, a yellow card would be shown.
And after being knocked back in their attempts to have the ban upheld, the club posted video footage of the incident on their social media.
🚨 Our appeal of Jake Hesketh's red card has been rejected, and he will now serve a three-game ban for violent conduct.
— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) January 5, 2022
Here's the incident you've all been waiting to see, #Spitfires... 🧐 pic.twitter.com/AwSuWJwEB2
It's safe to say there was widespread confusion and disbelief over the call:
Was at the game and didn’t even realise what he was sent off for. Seems very harsh. Ref didn’t enjoy being moved out of the way
— Cam Melling (@RomseyCam) January 5, 2022
Hope the refs ok looked bad that 🤦♂️
— Jack (@EFCJack_7) January 5, 2022
Get well soon to the ref. I hope he's not out to long. Looked nasty that!
— Tom. (Michael Masi must go from F1) (@tpalmer77) January 5, 2022
This is ridiculous!
— Jordan Lewis (@JordyLewis91) January 5, 2022
Ref blocks his way after giving a soft call and is surprised when a player doesn’t appreciate having a hand put infront of him.
— Adam Carey (@adamcarey94) January 5, 2022
The absolute state of that
— Ross Hancock (@SCFCRoss) January 5, 2022
I hope the refs OK, wishing him a speedy recovery.
— Micky (@MickyMarsh69) January 5, 2022
Any news if the ref has recovered from this? Looked like a hell of a hit he took
— Rich Smith (@Bootheyido) January 5, 2022
Hesketh will miss Eastleigh's next three games through suspension. Commenting on his dismissal, he posted the classic Jose Mourinho "I prefer not to speak" meme on his Twitter page.
— Jake Hesketh (@JakeHesketh) January 5, 2022
The 25-year old joined Eastleigh in the summer after his contract with Southampton expired and he was subsequently released.
He spent 17 years at Saints and made four appearances in the first-team, including a debut against Manchester United in 2014.
Hesketh spent time on loan with Burton Albion, MK Dons, Lincoln City and Crawley Town.
Featured Image Credit: Image: Eastleigh FC
Topics: England