Appleton: It was just handbags

05 November 2012 11:45
Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton played down a touchline melee as his side exited the FA Cup after losing 2-0 to Notts County at Fratton Park.

The first-round tie, won by goals from Francois Zoko and Yoann Arquin, had a fiery finish after Pompey loanee Scott Allan was given a straight red card for kicking Jamal Campbell-Rice. Campbell-Rice was booked for his part in the confrontation, while Portsmouth first-team coach Ashley Westwood was sent from the bench. Appleton said:

"It was just handbags. It was one of those things, heat of the moment. People were saying this and saying that, but I don't get involved in that rubbish.

"What happens on the pitch is the most important thing. There were a few egos and hormones flying around. We move on."

Appleton says he had no intention of losing his cool when confronted by Curle. He said:

"What can you do? It wasn't as if he was going to put one on me.

"If he did, it would have been his worst nightmare. Joking apart, we worry about what happens on the pitch rather than off it."

Source: team_talk