LIAM Manning admits he was surprised to be sent off at the weekend having never even picked up a yellow card before in his managerial career.

Oxford United’s head coach was shown a straight red card by referee Sebastian Stockbridge in the aftermath of the official awarding a penalty to Wycombe Wanderers.

The game was 1-1 at the time, with a Luke Leahy spot kick cancelling out Ruben Rodrigues’ first half opener.

Leahy netted again from 12 yards, before Cameron Brannagan rescued a point for United with the third penalty of the day six minutes into stoppage time.

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Talking about his sending off earlier this afternoon, Manning said: “I was hugely surprised to get the red card. Of course I said a few bits, but nothing I didn’t think was that bad.

“I’ve heard a lot worse recently from opposition managers in games, so I was really surprised.

“I have to look at myself as well, in terms of for the future. I’ve spoken a lot about role modelling, and I’m quite calm, so it was a bit of a surprise.”

He added: “I’ve never even been booked in a game, so that’s why it’s even more of a surprise.

“Most officials, I have a huge amount of respect for and I try not to get too involved.

“At the weekend, of course I said a couple of bits that I shouldn’t have, but nothing to the extent where it warrants a straight red.”

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Manning compared his situation to that of Everton loanee Stan Mills, who was shown a red card against Bristol Rovers, with it later rescinded after a successful appeal.

“We spoke about it recently with Stan Mills, in terms of what warrants a red card and what warrants a yellow, and what warrants a foul,” said Manning.

“I’ve heard a lot worse without a red card or yellow card being given.

It is what it is, it’s done and it was an extremely frustrating one on Saturday. Ultimately we have to move on and make sure we’re ready for tomorrow.”

He added: “I try not to give the referees too much attention. It’s more about giving them respect and letting them do the game, and concentrating on being there for the players and what they need.

“It was a difficult day on Saturday and ultimately it should’ve been two or three-nil to us at half-time.

“That’s probably where my emotion came from, the fact it became too much about the referee and not enough about the players unfortunately.”

As it stands, the FA have yet to charge Manning, therefore he is free to be on the touchline for tomorrow’s trip to Lincoln City.

Asked whether the current uncertainty has hindered preparation for the match, Manning said: “We’ve had a discussion on what does it look like if I’m not, and we’re prepared. I like to plan and have every possible scenario outlined, and as it stands, I’m expecting to be on the touchline.”