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Moat star in race row
Story courtesy of Mail Sports Staff - Burton Mail
Mark Peters
Gresley Rovers midfielder Mark Peters was at the centre of a race row today after he was sent-off during the Moatmen's 1-0 Dr Martens Western Division victory at Rugby United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old student, who had earlier received a caution, was given his marching orders after his foul and abusive verbal assault on opponent Rob Beard.But after the final whistle it emerged United's top scorer had provoked Peters, by subjecting him to a torrent of racial abuse.
Now the Butlin Road club are poised to discipline their own player and referee Carl Couzens, a Hertfordshire FA administrator, has promised to send a covering letter to Lancaster Gate with his match report.
Rovers are considering an appeal against the sending-off.
Caretaker manager Alan Titterton said: "Peters reacted to racial abuse but unfortunately these things still happen in football. But the lads battled hard particularly when we went down to 10 men but we rode our luck when Jamie Roberts had to clear off the line.
"It was an important result for us and while the board know I would like the job, at the end of the day it is what is best for Gresley Rovers that's important."
Work commitments mean goal scorer Kevin Allsop may be a doubt for tomorrow's Dr Martens League Cup second round tie at Sutton Coldfield Town with Justin O'Reilly, who missed the weekend game after picking up a stomach bug, likely to return to the squad alongside Mark Dennis who is on loan from Burton Albion.
Steve Coates, who missed the trip to Butlin Road through suspension, will be available tomorrow.
