SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hit out at Michael Timlin after the midfielder was sent off for violent conduct in the Shrimpers’ 2-1 win at Braintree Town on Saturday.

Timlin was dismissed in the 59th minute after headbutting the Iron’s Scott Shulton.

And Brown - who is not yet sure if Timlin will be handed a suspended - was clearly unhappy with the dismissal.

“Michael felt there was an infringement that hadn’t been seen by the referee and that’s his answer to it but as an experienced professional I can’t accept that and it will be dealt with internally,” said Brown.

“The referee had to do it, he had assessors in the stand and would have been suspended if he hadn’t acted.

“But we’ll have to see what the FA throw at us and what happens.”