Angry Oxford United players and officials have questioned football's "double standards" that allowed Hayes & Yeading's Will Hendry to escape with only a yellow card for his shocking tackle on James Clarke.

Right back Clarke was stretchered off and taken to hospital – though X-rays revealed no break.

The U's were infuriated because the referee, Mike Bull, of Essex, was also the man who sent off Luke Foster for a far less serious challenge at Ebbsfleet on August 30.

United yesterday parted company with physio Yanek Pearce, who attended to Clarke amid chaotic scenes at the end of Saturday's FA Cup-tie at the Kassam Stadium.

Pearce had the difficult job of taking over from the experienced Neil Sullivan – who joined Derby County – and was on a trial basis.

A statement from the club said "unfortunately things have not worked out best for either party".

Youth team physio Charlie Greig will now step up to first-team duty.

United manager Darren Patterson admitted he went into the referee's room at the end of the match.

"I just queried why I'd got three players sent off for challenges nothing like that," he said. "He's a very honest man and it's a difficult job they do.

"From where I was, I don't think he had a full clear view of it, but for me it was a stonewall red card and a very bad challenge, and I've got a young boy who was lucky not to have a broken leg. So I wasn't too happy about it."

United striker Jamie Guy said: "It was a stupid tackle that late on in the game. We feel for James. We've been sent off for tackles like that and he's just been booked."

Hayes & Yeading manager Garry Haylock claimed Hendry was not a dirty player.

He explained:"He is a player who struggles with his fitness and I think he tried to get the ball and made a mistake.

"I don't think he maliciously went out to injure him, he was just late."

Clarke said: "I was in a lot of pain and they put me on the gas and air as they took me to hospital. I feared the worst, but was very relieved when they said it wasn't broken."

Clarke could even be available for United's FA Cup first-round tie against Dorchester Town on November 8.

The U's also hope to have captain Joe Burnell back in training in the next couple of days, while Barry Quinn, who missed the Hayes & Yeading Cup tie, sees a specialist today to check the extent of his ankle injury.

OXFORD United will again be reducing prices for the FA Cup first-round tie against Dorchester, with ticket prices the same as they were for the Hayes & Yeading match.