Goodwin cops a ban

Last updated : 20 December 2011 By Stuart Gillespie

There were a few meaty challenges in the early stages of the first half, coming to a head when Jennings flattened Graham Carey. Goodwin barged into the back of Jennings, who then appeared to try to gouge his eye. The Saints captain responded by punching Jennings in the stomach before the Scouser repeated his earlier action.

At the time, ref Calum Murray dealt with things by booking both players - which meant Goodwin was on the park to score a stunning equaliser after half-time

Unfortunately for Saints , BBC Scotland highlighted Goodwin's punch on Sunday and, after much speculation, the SFA's compliance officer Vincent Lunny offered both players a two game ban for violent conduct. There's no news on whether Motherwell will accept Jennings' punishment, but Saints have accepted Goodwin's and have even issued an apology from the midfielder. Certain other clubs could learn from this rather than try to appeal when their player is blatantly in the wrong.

Goodwin will now sit out Saturday's game against Rangers and next week's match with Dundee United. However, the booking he received took him over the disciplinary points limit so he has been given another suspension and will miss the game against Kilmarnock on January 2.

There can be no complaints about the ban as Goodwin was clearly caught on camera throwing a punch. The issue now returns to who'll fill in for him during the next three games. Hugh Murray is back from injury but has yet to play for the first team, Steven Thomson is still struggling while Illias Haddad has been told he's leaving next month.

It'll be interesting to see what punishment the match officials get, considering they should have sent two players off and the linesman incorrectly flagged for offside when Saints should have had a penalty. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one...

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