SOUTHEND United defender Jason Demetriou was sent off in the dying seconds of Cyprus' 1-1 draw against Slovenia tonight.

Demetriou captained Cyprus for the Nations League clash but was red carded six minutes into stoppage time.

Cyprus took the lead in the 37th minute when Fotis Papoulis fired them in front but they were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Grigoris Kastranos was shown a second yellow card.

Slovenia took full advantage of their extra man and equalised in the 83rd minute with Nejc Skubic on target.

However, the drama did not stop there as Josip Ilicic was sent off for the hosts in the 90th minute before Demetriou was shown a straight red card for a shocking challenge six minutes into stoppage time.

The resulting suspension will see Demetriou available for the Shrimpers' game against Southampton under 21s in the Checkatrade Trophy and Blackpool in League One in mid-November.