Midfield newcomer Steve Agnew will sit out the start of his first season for York City.

Agnew faces a ban, consigned to a watching brief from the sidelines once the new Division Two show opens at Preston in under three weeks' time, after he was sent off in Saturday's friendly fire with Airdrie.

Amid confusion whether a red card had actually been shown, York referee Craig Barker confirmed both Agnew and Diamonds' opponent Jimmy Sandison were dismissed for 'serious foul play'.

Fears are that Agnew, who was signed earlier this month as a key component of City's switch to experience, may now be hit by a three-game suspension.

Agnew's absence is a major setback for City's small squad.

Already out is captain Tony Barras, who is way off recovering from summer surgery on his thigh, while striker Neil Tolson has two games of a three-match ban to serve from last season.

With another centre-back John Sharples still easing his way back from almost a year out of action then City may head for the August 8 start at Preston down to the bare bones.

City manager Alan Little said the referee had 'got it right' in sending both men off, but agreed there had been some puzzlement as to whether they had been dismissed, with no red card shown by the referee as the original first-half incident spilled over into a rumpus involving players, substitutes and management team.

But Barker, who is due to start his first season on the Nationwide League line, explained: "There were so many bodies on the pitch at the time that the red card was the least of my worries.

"But they were both sent off for serious foul play. One lad (Sandison) for a challenge from behind, the other (Agnew) for retaliation by pushing. That will go on report."

After losing 1-0 to Airdrie, City beat Barnsley 3-0 in the all-losers' game yesterday, while Scarborough, Saturday conquerors of a young Barnsley side also 1-0, eventually saw off Airdrie 5-4 on penalties after the final of the four-game tournament was locked at 4-4.

see MATCH REPORTS 'Agnew spurs City revival to avoid taking wooden spoon'

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