There was no malice in Watts' push, insists Burman - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Dartford boss Tony Burman has defended Lew Watts over his red-card during their 4-0 defeat at Cray Wanderers on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The experienced defender was shown a straight red card after shoving Kent referee Mr Gavin Hoare at Hayes Lane.

But Burman, who takes his side to Leatherhead on Tuesday night, explained that the former Tonbridge Angels defender thought he was pushing a Cray Wanderers’ player in order to take a free-kick.

“I just feel that Lew has pushed the referee but the way I see it, it was to get him out of the way to take a free-kick,” Burman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Lew has just said he’s seen black shorts and black socks and there was a Cray player standing next to the referee.

“The referee had his foot on the ball in the centre circle and I think in the heat of the moment Lew just got the man out of the way and it was the referee.

“I’m not denying Lew has pushed the referee and played the ball to the wing to get on with play.

“I’ve got no complaints with the referee but it wasn’t a blatant two handed push and meant to hurt the referee or upset him - Lew just wanted to get on with play.

“I just feel there was no malice in it - there was no confrontation. I just feel the referee was standing with his foot on the ball and a yellow card would be enough. The referee has seen it in the heat of the moment and has produced a red card.”

Burman has today brought former Sittingbourne and Folkestone Invicta's highly-rated defender John Guest to Princes Park on a month’s loan from Nationwide Conference South outfit Welling United.

“I tried to sign John on Friday before the Cray game but the deal fell through for various reasons,” revealed Burman.

“Because I’m going to have Lew Watts missing for another three games I feel I need to strengthen the squad with players with experience of a higher division.”

The 24-year-old Sittingbourne resident is expected to make his debut at Leatherhead on Tuesday night.

“Leatherhead are a good side, they’ve been on a good run, lost a couple of games including the FA Cup (first round) tie (at Torquay United) and (to Maidstone United) on Saturday,” said Burman.

“We’ve got our work cut out as I’ve got some injuries and doubts over several players unfortunately.”

Anthony Henry (one match ban), Richard Avery (calf), Nick Barnes (calf) Eddie McClements (six stitches in shin), Anthony Hogg (thigh) are all nursing injuries presently but Ryan Briggs (groin) has a slim chance of starting.

Visit Dartford's websites:  www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Leatherhead v Dartford
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 21^st November 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Fetcham Grove, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9AS