Fulham manager Martin Jol has insisted that Steve Sidwell did not deserve to be red carded during his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League this afternoon.

The midfielder was handed his marching orders with just 12 minutes on the clock when he committed a late challenge on Arsenal's Mikel Arteta.

However, despite admitting that the tackle was "mistimed", Jol has stated his belief that it was not worthy of an instant dismissal.

"I would not have given the red card but I am not subjective. I think it was a mistimed tackle but he caught the guy It wasn't his intention," he told BBC Sport.

"It spoiled the game a bit but we fought like lions and had better chances than them. In the first half we did ever so well but conceded a soft goal."

The red card was the second that Sidwell has received in as many matches.

Written by
Liam Apicella