'Embarrassing': Stephen Baxter slams Bangor defender after 'hit by a heavyweight boxer' red card reaction
Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has blasted what he views as an “embarrassing” reaction by Bangor defender Reece Neale during an incident which resulted in striker Adam Lecky being sent off.
Paul Heatley put Carrick ahead at Taylors Avenue before giving away a penalty which Harry Lynch converted to draw the Seasiders level.
There was a dramatic conclusion in Co Antrim with Bangor captain Lewis Harrison given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card while the hosts were also reduced to 10 men in the dying seconds with Lecky shown a straight red following a coming together with Neale.
Baxter told the club’s media channel: “Reece Neale, who I like as a lad and a player, I think he’s probably a really good lad, I don’t know him personally but I get that he’s a nice guy.
"But to go down in the manner that he has, like he has been hit by a heavyweight boxer, is embarrassing at this level of the game.
"I’m disappointed with how that all happened.”
Baxter also felt his side were denied a clear penalty during the 1-1 draw which maintained their position inside the Premiership’s top half.
"When 10 players appeal for a penalty kick, when the pressure was in the box, every hand went up,” he added. “It’s a penalty kick all day long.
"The only person you can ask is her (Louise Thompson, referee).”