HEREFORD are preparing to review the sending-off of midfielder Preston Bitemo after last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Buxton, with the club considering an appeal against the red card following a collision that left the home captain with a severe leg injury.
Manager says challenge was unfortunate, not malicious
Bitemo was dismissed after a challenge with Buxton skipper Connor Kirby in the 63rd minute of the National League North fixture, an incident which resulted in Kirby suffering a double leg break. Hereford manager Aaron Downes said he believed the contact was an accident rather than reckless or intentional and pledged to examine the match footage before deciding whether to contest the decision.
“My thoughts are with (Connor) Kirby. No one likes to see that type of top injury on a football pitch. It's an unfortunate one where, in my opinion, it was right in front of us, both of them have gone in for the ball and it's an unfortunate injury,”
Downes added:
“It's not malicious. I know Preston very well, he's not that person, we’re not that. We're competitors, but at the same time we're not malicious or dirty team in any way, shape or form. We’ll have to review the footage and see what we can do because it’s a competitive challenge, but maybe it’s influenced by the injury.”
The manager’s comments underline the dilemma facing the club: while the referee gave a straight red on the field, the severity of Kirby’s injury may have swayed the official’s on-the-pitch judgement. Any appeal would centre on whether Bitemo’s challenge met the threshold for violent conduct or was an unfortunate outcome of a legitimate attempt to play the ball.
Squad moves and immediate consequences
The incident and its fallout arrived after Hereford announced an attacking reinforcement. The club have taken 20-year-old striker Harrison Iwunze on loan from Notts County until January. Downes said Iwunze — who has made EFL Trophy appearances for Notts County and had a previous loan at Kettering Town — brings power, pace and a different dimension to the strike force.
“He’s a big, strong boy and a striker who is going to put defenders under pressure,”
Downes added:
“He’s got power, strength, pace and he knows where the back of the net is, so he’s a really good addition for us. He’s a timely addition as well, as we needed that extra striker who gives us a different dimension. He’s held in high regard at Notts County and we’re pleased that they’ve entrusted us with their talent.”
Iwunze told reporters that Hereford’s style suits his game:
“I’m athletic, I’ve got a lot of tenacity and I’m hungry to score goals. The manager wants to get after teams and not show too much respect to the opposition – I thought that definitely sounded like a bit of me.”
Hereford have also welcomed back Harry Tustin on a season-long loan from Cheltenham Town.
Local impact and next steps
The red card leaves Hereford a man down in the immediate term and potentially missing Bitemo for forthcoming matches if the suspension is upheld. Supporters and club officials will watch closely as the club reviews footage and decides whether to lodge an appeal with the relevant disciplinary authorities.
- Incident: Challenge between Preston Bitemo and Connor Kirby — resulted in red card and Kirby’s double leg break.
- Club response: Hereford to review footage and consider an appeal; manager publicly defended player intent.
- Squad changes: Harrison Iwunze signed on loan until January; Harry Tustin also returned on loan.
| Match | Result | Notable incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Buxton v Hereford | Buxton 2–1 Hereford | Preston Bitemo red card; Connor Kirby double leg break; Aaron Skinner penalty (Hereford) |
Any formal appeal would be lodged with the National League’s disciplinary body and hinge on interpretation of the tackle and medical facts surrounding Kirby’s injury. For supporters in Hereford, the pressings questions now are whether the red card will be overturned and how the club will cope in the short term while supporting both the injured player at Buxton and their own man facing sanction.
