YORK City Knights boss James Ford is facing a touchline ban of three to five games after being charged with foul and abusive language towards a match official during Sunday’s top-of-the-table humdinger at Bradford Bulls.
Ford is set to plead guilty to the Grade ‘D’ offence, which relates to an incident in the 58th minute of York’s thrilling 30-28 victory when he clashed with the fourth official on the touchline.
It is thought it occurred when Bradford, in the middle of a second-half comeback, won a dropout from a kick when video footage suggests the Knights should have had a penalty for offside.
Ford faces a Rugby Football League disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
He told The Press: “There will be a hearing so I don’t want to say too much about it.
“I’m obviously disappointed, more in myself really.
“I probably crossed the line with one or two things I said in the heat of the moment under an enormous amount of pressure when I felt a couple of things were going against us.
“Ultimately I have a responsibility to uphold the best possible standards and on this rare occasion I’ve probably let myself down.”
The penalty count in the match ended 17-6 in Bradford’s favour.
Ford added: “I’ve read what the fourth official has put down and it’s pretty close to what I remember. Regardless of circumstances, I should know better.”
Ford will be able to coach as normal during Sunday’s home game against Coventry.
York’s five games thereafter begin at home to North Wales Crusaders, followed by a trip to lowly West Wales Raiders. Then comes a run of tough encounters against play-off chasing trio Hunslet, at home, Workington Town, away, and Oldham, at home.
Meanwhile, half-back Ben Cockayne had no charge to answer after the match review panel watched footage of two alleged dangerous tackles during the win at Bradford.
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