Blues defender Peter Clarke insists referee Tony Bates had no option but to send off Dagenham & Redbridge goalkeeper Tony Roberts towards the end of Saturday's cup tie at Roots Hall.

The visiting custodian was dismissed for appearing to butt the Shrimpers centre back with just three minutes remaining at Roots Hall.

And Clarke believes it was definitely the right decision.

"It was a bit daft on his part and I think it was just his frustration coming out really," said the 26-year-old.

"He came up for the corner late on and clattered into Darryl Flahavan. Then as we were trying to squeeze up I bumped into him and he's fallen to the floor looking for a penalty I guess.

"He really made a meal of it so I told him what I thought of him and as he's got back up he's pushed me and then thrown his head at me.

"It was a bit silly and gave the ref no option but to send him off."

Written by Chris Phillips, Southend Echo