ANDY HESSENTHALER took the unprecedented step of gagging his players after nine-man Gillingham's shock 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Derby (Tony Hudd writes).

Fearing that a wrong word out of turn regarding the controversial performance of referee Kevin Wright might bring an FA charge, the Gills boss declined to attend the after-match press conference and instructed his players not to comment on the Cambridge official.

Hessenthaler had been further incensed by the referee's refusal to speak to him after the game.

Coach Wayne Jones, who attended the press conference in the absence of the manager, confirmed the club were considering an appeal against the dismissals of John Hills and Ian Cox after viewing the video.

Jones explained: "We had a chat in the dressing room and decided not to comment on the referee. Everyone has been told by the manager and myself not to talk about him. Emotions are running high and we don't want anybody going over the top."

Asked about the dismissal of Hills, who was ordered off in the 34th minute, Jones said: "We thought it was harsh. It was down to our own initial mistake because we stood off. Nevertheless, it was harsh.

"As for the second, Ian Cox said that the referee gave the decision to Gillingham but the linesman indicated otherwise and there was a confrontation between Ian and whoever.

"What we're going to do now is look at the video and we'll decide then about an appeal. The unfortunate thing is that we could not ask the referee because he refused to talk to us or explain his actions.

"It may be a case that after looking at the video over the weekend some appeal will be made."

Jones insisted that both Derby goals should have been prevented, especially the first when Gillingham were slow to clear.

Gillingham found sympathy from Derby manager George Burley over the dismissal of Hills. He said: "It look extremely harsh from where I was and would have been unhappy with the decision had it been one of my players.

"We're just so happy to have beaten a side that were knocking Premier League Charlton out of the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago."