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Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after his red card in Saturday’s League One clash at Brisbane Road.
The former Salford City and Doncaster Rovers manager was sent off by referee Alex Chilowicz after clashing with Wanderers wing-back Randell Williams in the second half.
Williams was looking to retrieve the ball to take a quick throw in when Wellens intervened, reaching out to grab the Bolton defender and sparking an angry reaction from the Bolton bench.
Wanderers assistant manager Peter Atherton was also booked by Chilowicz for his part in the incident.
A statement from the FA’s disciplinary committee read: “Leyton Orient’s head coach, Richie Wellens, has been charged with misconduct following their EFL League One game against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, January 20, 2024. It is alleged that he acted improperly during the 81st minute, which led to his dismissal and also by remaining in an area where he could directly view the rest of the game after being sent off. Richie Wellens has until Friday, January 26 2024, to provide a response.”
Wanderers lost the game 1-0, ending a run of four straight victories in the league.
Orient coach Matt Harrold performed media duties after the game and gave his view on the clash.
“That is probably our frustration, that it did feel like they were picking the ball up and gaining probably five yards,” he told the local media.
“Look, it is just a split second reaction. I have just seen it again and it does look pretty light, he hasn’t elbowed him or grabbed him but he has maybe just stopped his momentum.
“It is maybe a touch harsh but you just don’t know, with the rules now, what you can and can’t do. It was a strange one, I have never really come across that situation to be honest. We will have to see.”
Dan Agyei scored the only goal of the game to give the O’s victory, lifting them to ninth position in the table at the time.
The East Londoners take on struggling Reading this weekend.
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