Pardew Leaps to Iwelumo’s Defence

A lot has been made of Chris Iwelumo’s part played in Colchester’s Matt Connolly being sent off in the weekend encounter.

Most Addicks, myself included, feel that although it might not have been that bad of a challenge, Addicks striker Chris Iwelumo was fouled by U’s defender Matt Connolly, that is why he went down as he raced clear.

This is a view shared by Addicks boss Alan Pardew: ‘I thought he clipped him,’ Pardew told the club’s official website.

‘Chris is not the type of player to go down, especially when one-on-one, he wanted to score.

‘It was a bit unfortunate as I think he clipped his heels.’

I would have to agree with Pardew as given the chance to score against his former side Chris Iwelumo would have wanted to take it, he is a striker, and he loves scoring goals so when he has a chance he will want to take it. You have to feel for Matt Connolly but the assistant made the call so the referee was left with little choice.

This would not have been the way Chris Iwelumo would have wanted his return to Layer Road to go, as it has seen him heavily criticised by fans that used to idolise him.

Former Addicks favourite Kevin Lisbie however, as we know, did come back to haunt us with a goal, the goal which put the U’s 2-0 up before our comeback to earn a 2-2 draw.

What is the thought among the Addicks followers, and the U’s fans to be fair, although I think we know your opinion, on this site on the Chris Iwelumo issue? Did he make the most of the situation to con the officials into sending off Matt Connolly, or not? Share these feeling below so we can discuss them.

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