SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was surprised to see Mark Oxley sent off following a heated fracas towards the end of the Shrimpers’ 2-1 defeat against Charlton Athletic.

Oxley was dismissed by referee Brett Huxtable along with Blues winger Michael Kightly and the Addicks’ Tariqe Fosu in stoppage time at Roots Hall.

But, having reviewed the incident, Powell was shocked the Shrimpers shot-stopper was dismissed.

“The ref said Mark grabbed their player round the throat,” said Powell.

“He does push him but as we all saw there must have been between 10 and 15 players pushing each other at that moment so to be honest I’m quite surprised he sent Mark off.”

Oxley will now serve a three match suspension while Kightly will also be sidelined after clashing with Fosu in the far corner of the pitch. 

“I’ve seen it again and I’ve spoken to the referee who said Michael Kightly kicked the player on the ground,” said Powell.

“I’ve seen it and I think he does a bit of both to be honest.

“It’s a strong tackle from Mike but their player got up and headbutted him.”

However, Powell was frustrated to see Kightly red carded after Darren Pratley had only been booked for a poor challenge on the winger in the first half.

“My only issue with that red card is the tackle by Darren Pratley in the first half,” said Powell.

“The ref said it was cynical but that there was a genuine attempt to get the ball.

“I thought he was nowhere near the ball but the ref makes the decisions and I understand that.”