'Annoyed' Northampton Town boss gives his views on red card in Doncaster Rovers clash

While insisting McWilliams was attempting to win the ball in a challenge with Andy Butler, Curle also conceded that the manner of the challenge put his player in danger of receiving a red card.

"The sending off annoys me," he said.

"It's a fully committed attempt to win the ball because he's seen an opportunity to get it back.

“There's no malice in it but it was no surprise to see their player go down and then get up with no more than a twisted sock.

"In the eyes of the law, if you show your studs, it probably is a red card.

“It's a tackle that could be deemed out of control or dangerous and we have to take it on the chin - but I would love to complain about it!

"You're going to get decisions like that in the modern game but the worst decision was probably their penalty, especially how it was given.”

Rovers won a penalty late on when Michael Harriman was adjudged to have handled in attempting to keep out a James Coppinger shot.

Referee Graham Salisbury initially allowed play to continue before blowing his whistle and consulting with his assistant before pointing to the spot.

Curle said: “I've since been told that it was the other official who gave it.

“He was 50, 60 yards away from the incident but gave information to the referee and makes the decision - he must have good eyesight!"

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