Frank Lampard has responded to Bobby Thomas’ late red card as Coventry City watched their contest disintegrate in Birmingham.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has commented on the referee’s decision to show Bobby Thomas a straight red card in the 95th minute of the Sky Blues’ match against Birmingham City.
The Championship leaders had twice rallied from behind to tie the game, but Lampard’s team was unable to score a decisive third goal late on. Coventry have now gone three league games without a win.
In the final moments, the Sky Blues piled pressure on Chris Davies’ side, although Birmingham remained prepared to play deep and clear their lines whenever possible.
Deep into stoppage time, with Coventry obviously tired from their dogged pursuit of an equaliser, Thomas kicked out at Phil Neumann, believing he had been knocked to the ground. The kick was followed by a minor flick to the back of the head, which the Birmingham defender took advantage of, throwing himself to the ground and causing referee James Linington to issue a straight red card.
Thomas now faces a three-game suspension following his dismissal. When asked about the incident, Lampard told BBC Radio CWR, “I haven’t seen it, but if he does something and gets a red card, we’ll miss him for three games.” And if he did something, he should not have done it.”
When fit, Thomas has started every match for Coventry this season, including cup games. He last failed to start when available against Blackburn Rovers in January 2025.
The defender has played 1,942 minutes of Championship football, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Lampard would have preferred to have his key defender available, as the squad is now undergoing a New Year downturn.
Lampard also announced his squad sans Jamie Allen. Prior to kickoff, the club revealed that the 30-year-old would be unavailable due to a close family bereavement.
“It’s bigger than football and Jamie is a top lad, top player, top professional,” Mr. Lampard remarked. “And this is a very painful time for him. You see how strongly we support him.” When Josh Eccles hit a stunning 25-yard strike, he celebrated by holding up a shirt with Allen’s name.
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