James Collins leaves Gills' Matt Lawrence in a heap Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham have lodged a formal complaint with the Football League following an x-rated foul from Shrewsbury’s James Collins.

The fourth minute challenge, on Saturday, left Gills defender Matt Lawrence (pictured) with ankle damage that has put him in doubt for this weekend’s game against AFC Wimbledon.

Collins received a caution from referee Carl Boyeson but boss Andy Hessenthaler wants the authorities to review the incident.

No further action can be taken against the player, as Boyeson has already dealt with the incident during the game by issuing a caution, but the Gills do want an answer as to why the punishment was so lenient.

Hessenthaler said: "I’ve seen the DVD and it should have been a straight red. Their player should have gone in for an early bath. He ripped Matty’s sock to pieces."

Lawrence had an x-ray on the damaged ankle and there is no break.

Hessenthaler’s comments about the challenge were submitted on their referee’s report following the match.

"I have freeze-framed this one and it’s a straight red, simple," said Hessenthaler, who doubts the referee will admit he got it wrong.

"They won’t be able do anything about it but they will maybe look at it and say, ‘yes we got that wrong’, but they won’t say that because that’s how they are."