Sam Sodje has been told by Pompey he is wanted for the
rest of the season.
But the defender will be disciplined by the club over his ‘silly’ Oldham dismissal.
Video footage from the weekend reveals Sodje punched Latics goalscorer Jose Baxter twice in the nether regions in the 50th minute.
Spotted by the linesman, Sodje was subsequently shown a red card, with the Blues going on to lose 1-0.
Guy Whittingham studied the video yesterday and has decided to act – on top of Sodje’s automatic three-match ban.
But despite being forced to make do without the ex-Charlton man, the caretaker boss is adamant Sodje will be staying with the Blues for the remainder of the campaign.
Whittingham said: ‘It was a silly thing to do and I think out of character.
‘We know Sam is a competitive guy and since he has been here he’s been great.
‘If he’s not in the team, he is geeing everybody up, wishing them good luck.
‘When he has been out there he has shown he is a decent defender and very competitive.
‘You cannot understand the mentality of what he did.
‘Sam has not explained why he did it and you could go back to try to find out, but, listen, it is done so you have to move on.
‘The punishment will be dealt with internally, I am not going to say what it is.
‘It would be hasty to let him leave. You don’t know where he might be useful again and there are 13 games left.
‘It’s not about giving him the benefit of doubt. The right course of action will be taken for what he has done.
‘It would be another punishment if Sam cannot get in the side.’