Jim Magilton admitted being stunned by Sito Castro's controversial sending-off in Ipswich Town's derby defeat against Norwich.
The Blues lost yesterday's Championship duel at Portman Road 1-0 but the clash hinged on Sito's red card - after just 18 minutes - for a professional foul on Kevin Lisbie.
And angry skipper Magilton told the Gazette: "The referee had the same view as me and he told me he was only going to show a yellow card.
"I was amazed when he pulled a red one out of his pocket. I don't know why he changed his mind. "It was a very harsh decision and ruined the game.
"The tackle was nothing more than a tangle of legs. Anyway, Sito's the nicest man on the planet and there's no way he'd do anything vindictive."
Magilton was clearly riled by the decision - Town's third red card in their last four games. But he said: "There were still plenty of positives.
"You wouldn't have known we only had ten men in the second half, such was the way we competed.
"We had a great attitude and plenty of energy. Even though we lost, I hope the fans go away realising we showed resilience and gave 100 per cent."
Town boss Joe Royle admitted that he will be appealing against the red card, which was Sito's second in just eight days. The other was for two bookings at Sheffield United.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Monday, September 19, 2005
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