Crofts' Wales lose with 9 men

By Jack Nolan
August 16 2006

Gillingham midfielder Andrew Crofts captained the Welsh Under 21 side who lost 3.2 in Holland. The young Welsh side captained by Crofts lost 3.2 after having two players see red. Crofts lead a side consisting of mainly unrecognised young Welsh stars.

The Gillingham man won his 10th Under 21 cap, but the young Gills star failed to lead his side to victory. The WFA claim that the players who saw red were provoked. The Welsh Football Association said "We have had reports of people being spat at, and two players were dismissed after being struck."

Speaking about the game the Wales Under 21 boss told the BBC, "Both dismissals were when the ball was out of play, they were for retaliation - and the lads have said they were punched.

"I didn't have a clear view of what happened, but we will look at both incidents when we have all the evidence and have seen the referee's report, before deciding whether we will appeal or take the situation further.

"But it's fair to say that retaliation gets you nowhere. When you play at this level you must have international level self discipline, you have to maintain those standards whatever happens to you.

"I would expect Turkey to be too good for Israel, but then we will have to beat them, and that will be tough.

"But we can produce a top-level performance when Turkey come to Ninian Park, and it could all go down to goal difference."