‘My Scottishness is aggressive’ – EFL manager claims he got sent off because of accent
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell believes that he was sent off last week because of his Scottish accent. Ex-Premier League defender Caldwell was sent off during the club’s League One clash with Lincoln City. Gary Caldwell was sent off for his reaction to a disallowed goal at the weekendGetty After seeing a late winning goal ruled out, the 55-cap Scotland international was red-carded for misconduct with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. But while Caldwell was sent off, the former centre-back insists that he did nothing wrong and made have been harshly treated as a result of his accent. As a result of his red card, Caldwell was unable to conduct a post-match interview, meaning that his press conference on Thursday was his first chance to address the incident. Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Caldwell said: “I obviously went over to the fourth official, who is 20 yards away because that’s where the fourth official is at that stadium. “So there is no way to communicate with the fourth official unless you leave your technical area. “I didn’t run, he said I was aggressive, people who know me, I’ve got a Scottish accent. “Jen (Caldwell’s wife) complains all the time how aggressive I am to her, to the kids, to the dog – I think it’s the Scottish accent. “It comes across very aggressive, but I didn’t swear, I didn’t run, in my opinion I wasn’t aggressive. “My accent and my Scottishness is aggressive, but yeah, I got sent off for that.” The draw means that Exeter remained in 16th spot in League One. Caldwell was red-carded but believes his Scottish accent got him in troubleGetty The ex-Premier League star is enjoying his time managing in League OneGetty Caldwell took charge of the Grecians in October 2022, his fourth role in management. Having started his playing career with Newcastle United, the centre-back went on to play for Hibernian, Celtic and Wigan Athletic during his playing career. It was during his time with the Latics that he spent four seasons in the Premier League. Since moving into management, the 42-year-old has led Wigan, Chesterfield and Partick Thistle before taking charge of Exeter. Having finished 14th and 13th in his two seasons in charge, Caldwell will be hoping to kick on this season and improve on the club’s current 16th-place standing.
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell believes that he was sent off last week because of his Scottish accent.
Ex-Premier League defender Caldwell was sent off during the club’s League One clash with Lincoln City.
After seeing a late winning goal ruled out, the 55-cap Scotland international was red-carded for misconduct with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.
But while Caldwell was sent off, the former centre-back insists that he did nothing wrong and made have been harshly treated as a result of his accent.
As a result of his red card, Caldwell was unable to conduct a post-match interview, meaning that his press conference on Thursday was his first chance to address the incident.
Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Caldwell said: “I obviously went over to the fourth official, who is 20 yards away because that’s where the fourth official is at that stadium.
“So there is no way to communicate with the fourth official unless you leave your technical area.
“I didn’t run, he said I was aggressive, people who know me, I’ve got a Scottish accent.
“Jen (Caldwell’s wife) complains all the time how aggressive I am to her, to the kids, to the dog – I think it’s the Scottish accent.
“It comes across very aggressive, but I didn’t swear, I didn’t run, in my opinion I wasn’t aggressive.
“My accent and my Scottishness is aggressive, but yeah, I got sent off for that.”
The draw means that Exeter remained in 16th spot in League One.
Caldwell took charge of the Grecians in October 2022, his fourth role in management.
Having started his playing career with Newcastle United, the centre-back went on to play for Hibernian, Celtic and Wigan Athletic during his playing career.
It was during his time with the Latics that he spent four seasons in the Premier League.
Since moving into management, the 42-year-old has led Wigan, Chesterfield and Partick Thistle before taking charge of Exeter.
Having finished 14th and 13th in his two seasons in charge, Caldwell will be hoping to kick on this season and improve on the club’s current 16th-place standing.
