Dagenham & Redbridge’s Andy Carroll gets a red card after an off-the-ball incident with a Dorking player in the first game of the season.
Dorking stated in their match report that Carroll lashed out at the Wanderers’ centre-half Louie Annesley on the 56th minute. Daggers boss Lee Allinson wasn’t so sure.
Dagenham claimed all three points with Kayden Harrack getting the only goal just two minutes into the first half of the National League South opener.
What do you guys think? About the red pic.twitter.com/i0JwIaOdgy
— Frankie123 (@Frankie1237534) August 8, 2026
55’ | 🟥 Carroll is sent off for a reckless challenge on Annesley.
Louie is back on his feet after receiving treatment 🤝
🐓 0-1 ⚔️#DWFC | 🔴⚪️
— Dorking Wanderers FC (@DorkingWDRS) August 8, 2026
Dorking’s Marc White said after the game: “We had obviously a really, it’s a dominant game for us really outside of the first 10 minutes, the longer the game went on with 11 v 11, the more we settled in. It was a really disappointing start.
“You know, we spoke about not giving them the ball and um we had a shaky start. We put three balls out of play, went direct. I’m talking literally for the first couple of minutes and then that goal just comes from us giving them the ball back and them just making it a bit sketchy. Brilliant finish. Great finish.
“But yeah, I mean after that goal really. I mean, it’s kind of one-way traffic. We’ve had a couple of good half chances first half. And we’ve had a couple of better chances first half where the keeper was called into action.
“And then second half, last third was abysmal. That is the bottom line. I mean, if I look at the game, Louie, the defenders, the central midfielders done really well in the whole game. The wingers done pretty well.
“That game was all about was all about last third and Lee’s a great guy and you know so and I like Dagenham. But the end of the day the defending didn’t win the three points just to be really clear.
“We’ve put two open goals over the bar. We’ve had 14 attempts on goal where we can’t hit the target or work the keeper.
“So in reality, I thought today was a game that we was our own worst enemy. We kind of like gifted the opposition. Obviously, I appreciate they had endeavour, but I just personally thought I’m sorry, but I’ve got to say what I see and I thought it was a really strong performance 11 v 11 and then obviously when they went down to 10, it was only ever going to be, you know, one team on the ball. And I thought our use of that was not good enough.
‘But it was in particular box entries, bodies in the box, selection of ball and I disappointed with both George and Alfie, Josh Barrett. I was disappointed with them boys in high areas. I thought they had they saw enough of the ball, enough good balls put in the box to win the game.
“Then two chances we miss an injury time. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better chance. I mean, George Nikaj is bad enough for three yards out and George Francomb is literally like he’s got all the time in the world just to head it down. It’s goal.
“So, I think I want to make sure I as always critique it accurately and it basically was a game that we wasn’t good enough in the last third and ultimately that is why Dagenham got the points and it was a just a disappointing start because the plan was never to kick the ball into them and we did and that’s why they got that goal after a couple of minutes.”
More of the interview below…
Dagenham’s Lee Allinson said after the game: “Over the moon, but it is just a start. I think you’ve seen today what our group’s going to be all about.
“And I said to you yesterday and how many interviews I’ve done that they’ll play for this football club and I think you’ve seen today an immense immense performance.
“Thought we started unbelievable. Thought the game become a little bit bitty and a bit scrappy and we really fancied ourselves strongly at half time to go on and get a couple because I knew Dorking would come after us. They don’t know any other way. But they’re very good side, very good side and I felt like we could pick them off and then…
“Look if it’s a sending off then great, no problem. But I’m not so sure and I need to look at it back and reins it. There’s no arm swung. There was no nothing landed. But I think it’s easy to to come for Andy and and yeah and uh look for what he does.
“But I think he’s been manhandled for 55 minutes, not one free kick against him cuz he’s a big strong centre forward.
“But after that, you know, we were brave. We went went and played a 432 and and I thought the group were were incredible. I’ll be honest with you. Absolutely different class.
“But as I’ve said to him, they enjoy it because they deserve it. The supporters deserve it because it was a tough season last year, but at like nothing’s achieved. Nothing whatsoever. We got another big game on Friday now and that’s what our attentions will turn to.”
The rest of the interview below…
Here’s how fans reacted as Andy Carroll gets red card after off-the-ball incident with a Dorking player in the first game of the season…
@CloaknDags: How’s a player, and assistant manager, of his experience falling for their tricks. Fucking disappointing.
@Diggerthedog1: Clearly lots of people in the comments that wasn’t at the game, he did nothing wrong got booked twice due to their play acting. Ref fell for it unfortunately, weak.
@rkpdagger: Looks like his hair is pulled and it spins him around and then the guy runs and trips over his leg? And this is after he has been thrown to the floor?
@josh22350: Is that worthy of sending someone off really?😂 refs have gone mad
@leewilsonDRFC: Should be a red for the Dorking player for pulling Carroll’s hair. Hope we appeal.
@OnceADagger: Lucky that’s a straight red and we can appeal. Another ref looking to be a celebrity when we play. Oh well, we pissed all over them
@jlong_journo: There’s a good case for appeal there in my opinion as a referee. Does pull his hair which in law is punishable with a red card, and in this instance it is violent conduct. Not actually sure what Carroll did wrong either??
@Doigey93: Can feel hard done by yet again, just wanted the big name in his notebook clearly
@Diggerthedog1: Again does nothing, ref did not even see it but sent him off. Poor officiating, same old. But we won get it fucking up yahs.
@9men: What am I missing here? He drags AC down, then pulls his hair.
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