SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell hit out at Plymouth Argyle boss Derek Adams after being sent to the stands at Home Park.

Powell and Adams were both red carded during a slight scuffle on the side-lines during the 1-1 draw.

And Powell revealed he was dismissed after reacted to what Adams said to a Shrimpers player.

“Derek accused us of trying to get their player sent off but why I reacted was what he said to one of my players, I’m not having that,” said Powell.

“He can speak to his own players like that if he wants to and so can I but I wouldn’t speak to my own players like that.

“If he wants to own up and say what he said then fair play to him but I know what he said and so does he.”

Powell watched the second half from the stands and admitted he had been disappointed by his own behaviour.

“I reacted and it was wrong of me but I’ll always back my players and my team 100 per cent,” said Powell.

“I’m normally calm and I was upset with my own behaviour so I apologised to the players at half-time but I’ll said I’ll always back them.

“It’s a shame it happened and it’s a shame we’re aren’t going home with three points.”

Powell does not yet know if he will receive a touchline ban for the red card.