GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler is in hot water after being reported to the FA following his strong criticism of referee Mark Cooper’s performance in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Brighton.

Hessenthaler admits he swore at the Walsall official as both sets of players surrounded him at the final whistle. He said: “The refereeing was absolute disgrace. He obviously saw the cameras here today and wanted to be centre of attention. It was farcical at the end.

"With eight bookings and two sent-off, you would think it was a dirty game, but it wasn't. The referee has stolen the show. He was man of the match and it was embarrassing. It’s a shame because it has over shadowed a very good performance."

Talking about the late sending off of Kevin James for taking his shirt off and celebrating a certain winner, he said: “He's a young kid who scored a goal, was absolutely delighted and celebrated.

“He knows he should not have done it already being on a yellow card, but common sense should have prevailed. You don't have to send him off for celebrating a goal.

“I've heard for taking your shirt off now you can't get booked, so we are going to look into it and appeal.

"We will do a report and he's reporting me and the chairman who had a few choice words to say, one of our coaches and a couple of players.”

Despite the turmoil caused by the official, Hessenthaler was quick to praise his players.

He said: "We defended for our lives. The central defence was very strong, but it was a team effort. It was a good three points for us under difficult circumstances.”