EFE SODJE'S plea of innocence received support from Bury manager Andy Preece.

"It was just a reaction thing," said Preece. "You see it all the time and free-kicks aren't even given.

"If a player of mine had been sent off for that I would be very disappointed. It looked a bit harsh."

Sodje protested about the decision and had to be led from the field by manager Peter Jackson.

"I just let the ball go and next thing I was getting a red card - I still don't know why," said Sodje.

"Even the Bury players were saying it wasn't a sending-off and if they can say that, the ref should know what he is doing.

"I know the manager is upset and I accept my share of the blame for us losing the game, but I really don't think I should have gone.

"It's awful now because I'm going to miss three games and I don't even want to miss one.

"I've come here to play games and help the team do well and it's really disappointing."

Match Report