JOHN Coleman says he cannot dispute the four-match ban dished out to Sean McConville for violent conduct, but the Accrington Stanley manager has questioned the timing of communication from the FA to the club.

The midfielder missed Tuesday night's home defeat to Plymouth Argyle following retrospective punishment for pulling Northampton Town loanee Peter Kioso's hair in a melee in the 85th minute of Saturday's goalless draw at the Wham Stadium, during which Stanley's Joe Pritchard was sent off.

The incident involving McConville was not seen by match officials at the time but was followed up based on video evidence.

McConville has admitted a charge for a breach of FA Rule E1.1 and accepted the standard penalty, which also means missing games against Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town this month through suspension.

Coleman insists there is not a case against the decision, saying: "I can't defend the indefensible. He shouldn't be doing it."

But the Stanley boss feels the club should have been given more notice, and not been told AFTER they had trained and prepared to face Plymouth with McConville in the starting XI.

"The one thing that is absolutely galling is that they leave it until 2.30 on a Monday after noon to inform us of it," said Coleman.

"I've done all my shape and preparation. Sean McConville is playing. So I've had to rip that up and start again and I don't think that's in any way fair at all.

"Someone at the FA should be brought to task for that because that shouldn't be allowed.

"It wouldn't happen in the Premier League so why should it happen to Accrington.

"If they are going to charge him, charge him on Sunday night.

"It's supposed to have come from the assessor. Well if it's come from the assessor why couldn't the report go in on Sunday night. Morning morning we are aware of it, we are aware there's a charge hanging over him, but not half two when you've done your preparation for the match.

"They know we are playing on Tuesday.

"It's just another way to make it difficult for us."

Coleman added: "I'm not defending what he did and he deserves the punishment that he has got and he will serve the ban without any complaint.

"He has apologised to the players and myself and the club and the fans. He knows he shouldn't be doing it.

"But give us a chance.

"It doesn't make any kind of sense that, the timing of it."

Both clubs were also yesterday charged by the FA for failing to control their players in the same incident.

A statement read: “It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 85th minute of the fixture and they have until Friday (12/02/21) to provide their responses.”