Manchester City loanee Oliver Whatmuff was floored by a dangerous foul from Oldham Athletic striker Mike Fondop during Stockport County's 1-0 pre-season victory at Boundary Park.
After Malik Mothersille gave Stockport the lead, the hosts were reduced to ten men 15 minutes later when Fondop elbowed Whatmuff as he attempted to distribute the ball. Whatmuff confronted Fondop, and the referee produced a red card. Fondop had to be dragged away by teammates as Stockport boss Jimmy McNulty was left furious by the tackle.
Whatmuff's Turbulent Summer
This incident comes after a busy period for the 18-year-old. He helped McNulty's former club Rochdale achieve promotion to the Football League in May, then was re-signed by the manager for Stockport in League One. The initial plan was for Whatmuff to join after City's pre-season tour of Asia.
City's Goalkeeper Shortage
Due to the World Cup, City have limited players available for their tour games against Inter Milan, a K-League XI, and Atletico Madrid. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli are the only senior keepers. James Trafford is on break and finalising a move away. Whatmuff's inclusion would have provided cover and valuable experience, but Stockport's plans changed after an injury to Andrew Wogan forced them to abandon a friendly against Bristol City.
With Wogan out for weeks, City allowed Whatmuff to return to Stockport. City are now short in goal again and have included trialist Max Chabot in their travelling squad. The youngster has joined Donnarumma, Bettinelli, and academy goalkeeper Jack Wint in Hong Kong. City's first tour game is against Inter on Saturday.
As for Whatmuff and Stockport, they host Preston North End in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, then begin their campaign the following week in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers.
