Gillingham boss Mark Stimson claimed Lancashire referee Karl Evans was wrong not to send off Dennis Oli in the 0-0 draw against Walsall on Saturday.

Oli, pictured, already walking a disciplinary tightrope after being booked early in the game, was in trouble again four minutes into the second half following a challenge on Jamie Vincent.

Mr Evans looked set to produce a second yellow card, but surprised many people, including Stimson, when he decided to only lecture Oli in the presence of skipper Barry Fuller in accordance with the new Respect initiative introduced by the Football Association.

That decision left Stimson bemused and confused.

He said: “I had a little debate with the referee about it afterwards. I have to mark him on loads of different areas, but it’s all about big decisions and he got that one wrong.

“Dennis did some rash things which is not like him, and he was fortunate to stay on the pitch. He should have been sent off for a second yellow card.

"Don’t ask me why he wasn’t, but I’m pleased because we would have missed him.”