FURIOUS COLEMAN BLASTS REF
Chris shows no respect for Respect campaign
Coventry 0, Bristol City 3
FURIOUS Coventry boss Chris Coleman wrecked the FA's respect campaign, branding referee Phil Dowd "abysmal" after former Sky Blue Dele Adebola ran riot.
Only weeks into the new season, the FA's high-profile bid to clean up the game was in tatters when Coleman launched an angry touchline rant at Dowd.
The fiery Welshman boiled over after Dowd missed a clear-cut penalty claim when Clinton Morrison was pulled back by Liam Fontaine.
The official ran to the touchline to calm down the City boss but then sent him to the stand after being hit by a stream of abuse.
Coleman blasted: "I thought the referee had a terrible first half. He has refereed games before and been fine, so I can't call him a homer. But his performance today was abysmal.
"I know I will get punished for my outburst but what happens to him? He got decision after decision wrong. We have to wait until the end of the season for a referee's performance to be assessed.
"His display had an effect on me and my players. They were angry and a couple were booked at the end because they were frustrated."
Coleman's outburst is sure to lead to a fine and an FA ban - but the real concern for Coventry's manager will be the way his side were turned over.
Veteran striker Adebola received a hero's welcome from the home crowd for his five years in City colours.
But the cheers soon turned to boos as the 33-year-old tore into his old side, clashing with Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood before scrambling in a 17th- minute opener.
Misery
Westwood suffered concussion and had to be replaced by Andy Marshall. But the jeers only spurred on Adebola and he set up Michael McIndoe for the second after 54 minutes.
By the end it was all Bristol. Marshall palmed one Nicky Maynard shot around the post while Aron Gunnarsson headed another off the line minutes later.
Steve Brooker finally put Coventry out of their misery with a third in injury time.
Visiting manager Gary Johnson was pleased but refused to get carried away.
He said: "If we're playing this well in 10 games' time, then I'll be able to say it's a good start to the season. This stage is far too early."
