Pearson reveals half-time dismissal

02 February 2012 10:46

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson revealed he watched the second half of his side's 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough from the stands because he was sent there by the referee at half-time.

Pearson alleged the referee barged into Leicester's dressing room as he was talking to his players. When he emerged, he was told by the fourth official that he had been sent off for what he had said to official Gavin Ward. Pearson was furious following the incident and has vowed to challenge any action the Football Association might take.

"I don't know what really happened," said Pearson. "I was talking to my players and giving them instructions for the second half when I was rudely interrupted. I didn't see who it was that barged into my dressing room but I told them to get out - and that may be a euphemism for what I actually said."

He added: "When I am talking to my players in my space and someone tries to interrupt me and talk to me when they have not been invited to do so, that is rude. In future what I will do to avoid any repeat of the situation is lock the dressing room door."

On the pitch, Jermaine Beckford continued his rich vein of scoring form to earn Leicester a deserved point with a late equaliser. Beckford had done everything but score before popping up with his sixth goal in his last four matches with four minutes remaining.

It had looked like a rare Tom McMahon goal would give Middlesbrough victory when he struck in the 79th minute. Scott McDonald had earlier cancelled out David Nugent's opener for Leicester to send the teams into half-time level.

"I think it was good that we scored first but they caused us a few problems and in the end I think we did well to get something out of the game," said Pearson.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray also felt that referee Ward had something of an off night. He said: "I don't want to get in trouble. I think he had an uncomfortable night is probably the best things to say.

"I'm sure we all assess ourselves when we go home and he might put his head down on his pillow tonight and have a think.

"He couldn't make a decision at times, but he'll have better days I'm sure."

Source: PA