Oldham Athletic manager Micky Mellon was sent off for appearing to headbutt Sheffield Wednesday's Callum Slattery during a dramatic FA Cup first-round tie. The straight red card forced Mellon to leave the technical area for the closing moments and extra time of the match.
Match reaches boiling point
The incident occurred in the dying stages of regulation time, with the score level at 1-1. Oldham had taken the lead shortly after the hour through Calum Kavanagh, but David Kellior-Dunn equalised for the Owls in the 76th minute, forcing the tie into additional time.
As tensions boiled over, Mellon appeared to thrust his head towards Slattery in a confrontation. The flashpoint triggered mayhem among players from both teams. Once calm was re-established, the official produced a straight red card to the Oldham boss.
Co-commentator reacts
Co-commentator Glenn Hoddle told TNT Sport: "It's all going off here, there's little one v ones as well. Everyone is involved. I don't know what on earth the manager is thinking there, I really don't."
The match marked Dave Challinor's first game at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday, with Oldham attempting to spring a surprise against their League One rivals.
Oldham advance despite red card
Despite their manager's absence from the touchline, Oldham struck the decisive goal in extra time to book their place in the second round. The duration of Mellon's suspension is yet to be confirmed, with the FA potentially pursuing further disciplinary measures over the incident.
Oldham will discover their second-round opponents when the draw takes place on Monday evening, with the fixture scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, December 5. Possible adversaries include Leicester City, who lifted the trophy five years ago and dispatched Oxford City in the first round, or seventh-tier Wimborne Town, who knocked out Crawley Town in their first-round clash.
Speaking in the build-up to the tie, Mellon reflected on the chance the FA Cup presents to create lasting memories. "I love the FA Cup. I've had good moments in it and love when it comes around this time of the year," he said. "If we can make some memories for the fans and for the players as well and their families, and ourselves, that's the thing that you try to attack. It's still a romantic competition that everybody still gets excited about."
