SAM Collier will appeal Bradley Pagliaroli’s sending off that occurred on Tuesday night during Royal Wootton Bassett Town’s abandoned Hellenic League Premier Division clash against Fairford Town.

The Bassett forward appeared to push Fairford’s Dan Bailey amid his bid to win possession with half-time looming.

After picking the ball up following the foul, Pagliaroli was grabbed by Bailey and homeskipper Callum Preece before falling to the floor – the latter then proceeded to tread on Pagliaroli’s face.

Consequently, Preece was sent off. But Pagliaroli was later shown a red card too before the game was subsequently abandoned.

The incident was sparked outrage on social media, many calling for Preece to be hit by a lengthy suspension from the Football Association.

Having only watched video replays that are available online, Collier declined to comment specifically on the incident.

However, he did confirm the club will take its case to Wembley in the hope that Pagliaroli’s sending off can be reversed.

Collier said: “Up until the incident, there was no maliciousness between the two sides or any player. It was a coming together that escalated quite quickly.

“As soon as the game was abandoned, we got ourselves in the changing room and home.

“Personally, I don’t think it was the right call to abandon the game. But it’s the ref’s decision and what he felt comfortable with, we must respect that.

“I’ll be very shocked if the quotations coming from the Fairford end are true, but we’ll wait to see the referee’s report.

“We’re questioning why Bradley Pagliaroli was sent off. I hope the FA will make the right decision.”

On field, Bassett return to Hellenic Premier action this weekend when facing in-form Reading City away from home.

Off the back of last weekend’s successful 7-3 win over bottom side Holmer Green, Collier is under the impression that his squad has the capability to extend their winning streak to three games.

The Bassett chief is further boosted by the return of several key players, including Caine Bradbury and Alfie Presley.

Collier said: “Reading City will be tough. The surface isn’t always great and they’re performing strongly this year.

“It will be a different test to last week, but one we’re looking forward to.

“Results have been better, and we started bright at Fairford.”

Elsewhere, Fairford also go on the road upon their return to action as they travel to Easington Sports.

Shrivenham have no game this weekend.