Referee Alex Chilowicz dismissed the former Salford City and Doncaster Rovers boss following a collision with Wanderers wing-back Randell Williams in the second half.
When Wellens reached out to grab the Bolton defender and interrupted Williams’ attempt to retrieve the ball for a quick throw-in, the Bolton bench became enraged.
Chilowicz also issued a booking to Wanderers assistant manager Peter Atherton for his involvement in the incident.
“Leyton Orient’s head coach, Richie Wellens, has been charged with misconduct following their EFL League One game against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, January 20, 2024,” according to a statement from the FA’s disciplinary committee. He is accused of acting inappropriately in the 81st minute, which resulted in his dismissal, and of continuing to watch the remainder of the game from a location that allowed him to do so. The deadline for Richie Wellens’ response is this Friday, January 26, 2024.
Wanderers’ four-game winning streak in the league came to an end as they defeated 1-0.
After the match, Orient coach Matt Harrold spoke with the media and shared his thoughts on the match.
He told the local media, “That is probably our frustration, that it did feel like they were picking up the ball and gaining probably five yards.”
“Look, it’s only a quick response. Now that I’ve viewed it again, it does appear rather light; he hasn’t grabbed or elbowed him; instead, it appears like he has simply stopped moving.
“It may seem a little severe, but you just don’t know what the current rules allow or prohibit. It was an odd one; to be honest, I had never actually encountered that circumstance. We’ll have to wait and see.
The O’s won the game thanks to a goal by Dan Agyei, which moved them up to ninth place in the standings at the time.
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