Enugu Rangers forward, Bobby Clement has expressed his disappointment over the red card received in his first game on return to the club – the NPFL matchday-5 eastern derby against Enyimba in Enugu last Sunday which the Flying Antelopes won 1-0.
Clement rejoined the Coal City Flying Antelopes after a two season spell at Al-Arabi SC of Kuwait
After coming on as a 68th minute substitute to another former Nigeria international, Michael Uchebo, Clement first entered the referee’s book for clattering on Enyimba defender, Nelson Ogbonnaya.
With just a minute left on the clock, the bulky striker who had previously starred for Heartland was adjudged to have elbowed Enyimba captain and centre-back, Ifeanyi Anaemena, forcing the match arbiter to pull his yellow card – Clement’s second of the match and followed it up with a red.
A distrust Clement claimed he was appalled by the sending off in such a big Oriental Derby showdown.
“It is very sad I was sent off. It ruined my day as we won our first game at home,” Clement said.
“I never intended elbowing him, why should I? It was accidental.
“It was a big match, Oriental Derby, Rangers and Enyimba. Very tough but thank God we won.
“Honestly I was gutted by the card”.
Clement’s expulsion means he will be suspended and won’t be available for selection for the next game against Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday (tomorrow) at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu