Lee Tomlin’s Doncaster Rovers debut lasted just over 45 minutes as the former Bristol City playmaker was sent off in bizarre and ridiculous circumstances, receiving two yellow cards in the space of just 17 seconds.
Tomlin was a marquee summer arrival for Donny having spent the second half of last season with League Two Walsall following the cancellation of his contract at Cardiff City.
However in first-half injury time at Valley Parade against Bradford City, Tomlin was initially booked for blocking the opposition taking a quick free kick by rolling and then kicking the ball away.
Within moments of being brandished one card, as the dispute continued he then decided to throw himself to the floor after minimal contact from Bantams midfielder Jamie Walker.
It all took place directly in front of referee Bobby Madden who had no choice but to raise a second yellow card and show Tomlin his marching orders. Fortunately for him, Doncaster were able to hold on and earn a 0-0 draw.
Speaking after the game, Doncaster manager Gary McSheffrey labelled Tomlin’s second off as “stupid” but refused to criticise the midfielder too much given his expected importance for the club over the course of the season.
“We know he’s an exceptional talent. He’s man enough and mature enough to know that he’s done something silly,” McSheffrey told the Doncaster Free Press. "There will be no grudges held. We’ve had a chat, it’s forgotten and he will win us a lot of points this year.
"Sometimes you need a little lesson in the first game to know not to do something again. From the moment Tomlin went off I’d have taken a 0-0. I make no apologies for that. I thought the lads dug in really well."
Tomlin made 60 appearances for City over an eventual and mixed 18 months at Ashton Gate in which he initially dazzled on loan from Bournemouth, scoring some magical goals and helping the Robins secure Championship survival in the second half of the 2015/16 season.
However, once he was granted a lucrative long-term deal, teammates have subsequently noted his attitude changed and led to tension with head Lee Johnson as his output decreased and he soon found himself out on loan to Nottingham Forest, before eventually signing for Cardiff.
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