Bradford City star slammed for "ridiculous decision" as huge Notts County clash looms | OneFootball

FLW's Bradford City fan pundit has been speaking on Richie Smallwood's Swindon red card, and how his absence may impact their promotion push.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Bradford City saw their grip on a League Two automatic promotion spot loosen after suffering a dramatic 5-4 defeat to Swindon Town on Saturday, in which Bantams captain Richie Smallwood was sent off.

Graham Alexander's side raced to a two-goal lead thanks to a quickfire double from Calum Kavanagh after just 10 minutes had elapsed, as Bradford City appeared to be in for a routine afternoon at the Nigel Eady County Ground.

However, after a heavy challenge on Swindon's Paul Glatzel with just 14 minutes on the clock, Smallwood was given his marching orders by referee Thomas Kirk, in what would be a watershed moment in the game.

Bradford would enter the break with a 3-1 lead, but a second half Swindon comeback saw Ian Holloway's men take all three points, after Bantams defender Jack Shepherd turned the ball into his own net in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Due to it being a straight red card offence, the 34-year-old will now miss three of Bradford's final four League Two fixtures.

"There was no argument" - Red card claim made on Bradford City skipper Richie Smallwood

We asked our Bradford City fan pundit, Boris Thomson: 'Richie Smallwood's red card v Swindon will see him out for three of Bradford's last four matches as they push for League Two promotion. Do you think he's going to be a significant miss in the coming games? Was it a silly move for him to go into such a tackle so early in the game and when 2-0 up?'

Thomson said: "Yes, Richie Smallwood's tackle was a ridiculous decision.

"But, that's not to say he's not an intelligent and experienced enough player to know that was an extremely ridiculous decision, and I'm sure if you were to ask him, he would hold his hands up for that.

"But it was, it was a horrid challenge. Everybody said it was a red straight away. There was no argument, and he will be a massive miss for us.

"I think he is the glue that holds all the talented players we have together. He's experienced, he's a good leader, and he's had a great season as well.

"Last season, maybe his performances were a bit temperamental, but this season, individually, he's been awesome for us. So, I'm hoping for the best."

Smallwood suspension couldn't have come at worse time for Bradford as tough trio of games await starting with Notts County

With just 12 points left to play for, and with Bradford City hovering just above the play-off places, the Bantams need all the experience and know-how they can call upon.

Especially given the fact that their next three games are all against promotion-chasing sides: Notts County, Chesterfield and Doncaster respectively.

Smallwood has been a mainstay in the Bantams' starting XI ever since he arrived at the University of Bradford Stadium back in the summer of 2022, providing them with a beacon of industry and leadership in the heart of midfield.

As such, losing such a key figure ahead of the most vital upcoming three-game stretch in recent Bradford City memory, certainly looks to have the potential to cost the Bantams dearly in their final push for League Two promotion.