Carlisle United weigh up response to keeper coach FA charge

The Blues goalkeeping coach was shown a red card by ref Scott Simpson after the 1-1 draw with Peterborough United on Tuesday.

Manager Paul Simpson says officials at the game have accused Timmins of displaying an “aggressive manner” and using abusive/insulting language.

That has now been followed by a FA disciplinary charge, it has been confirmed.

United’s boss says his coach has a different version of events to the match officials, but the club are yet to confirm whether they will contest the charge.

“Basically [he is accused of] an aggressive manner – they [the officials] are saying foul and abusive [language], but that doesn’t tie up with the other [Timmins'] version of events,” said Simpson.

“Unfortunately as it stands at the moment it’s three officials with identical version of events against one. So we have to weigh up what’s the right way to go about it.”

The charge against Dave Timmins (Image: FA Spokesman on X)

The FA charge alleges Timmins used abusive and/or insulting language to an official on the pitch after the game, and also in the tunnel after his red card.

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He has until next Tuesday to respond.

Should Timmins face any punishment it would come into play at a future game rather than this weekend's League One fixture.

“I think whichever way we go down, whether Dave denies the accusations that are made against him or whether he accepts them, I don’t think the hearing will take place [before then],” added United’s boss this afternoon.

“It’s different as a player, when you get a red card it’s automatic when it comes to an official [hearing].

Paul Simpson talks to the fourth official during the Peterborough game (Image: Ben Holmes)

“Whether you go for a paper hearing without a personal appearance, or paper with an appearance, or whatever route we have to go down, I’d be very surprised if it was to be heard before next week – certainly not before Saturday, so he’ll be there on Saturday and we’ll take it from there.”

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Tuesday’s flashpoint came after a game in which Carlisle felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a string of penalties.

Simpson, speaking about the correspondence United have received on the matter, added: “There’s a discrepancy between the three officials’ versions of events – which, incredibly, are virtually identically worded, all supposedly independently done – and what Dave’s saying happened.

“I’m not calling the officials liars, I’m not calling Dave a liar. But we have to work out what’s right to do.”

Should Timmins face a touchline ban, United’s boss added: “I’m told he’s allowed to be at the game, he’s allowed to have communication during the game but can’t be on the playing surface before, during or after.

“But that’s something we have to deal with it if we accept the charge or if we contest it and he’s found guilty.”