QUAKERS can have no qualms with Joe Wheatley’s red card today at Kidderminster Harriers, says boss Tommy Wright, though he pointed out there was no malice in the challenge.

The midfielder was sent off early in the team’s 5-2 defeat, seeing red after a challenge on Declan Weeks midway inside Harriers’ half when the score was 0-0.

The ball had ran loose after Reece Styche had been tackled, Wheatley looking to immediately win back possession.

But his 17th minute tackle was deemed dangerous by referee Barry Lamb, who showed the youngster the first red card of his career.

Wright watched the incident back after the match, and said: “The sending off, looking back on it now and I even thought the same thing at the time, it looked like a strong tackle and I don’t think we’ve got any complaints about it, it is a red card.

“I don’t think there was any intent to harm, it’s not like he’s reckless and tried to hurt somebody. He’s gone to win a tackle and he has hurt the lad.

“It is a red card, but I don’t think Joe is a malicious player by any means and it will be the first of his career.

“He’s devastated by that and we’ve lost a player that has been on fire for three games.”

Wheatley will miss the home game with Altrincham on Saturday, the Bank Holiday trip to Ashton United and the contest at home to Alfreton on September 1.