Football: Association supports referee Lynch

The Referees' Association has defended match official Kevin Lynch after he came under fire for sending off five players, including four from Bristol Rovers, during Tuesday night's Second Division game against Wigan at Springfield Park.

Peter Willis, spokesman for the association, said he was "saddened" by comments made by Geoff Dunford, the Rovers vice-chairman, after the game.

Dunford said: "To think that this man is on the Fifa list as a linesman. He is an absolute disgrace to professional football."

There was further controversy at Luton where referee Paul Taylor has requested video evidence to show what happened after a 22-man brawl broke out during the game with Gillingham. Bedfordshire police have interviewed Gillingham's Iffy Onuora after an allegation that he assaulted a spectator.