Norwich 1 Charlton 1

MANAGER Alan Pardew made no excuses after on-loan central defender Sam Sodje became the fifth Charlton player to be sent-off this season following his red card at Norwich on Boxing Day.

Sodje was dismissed in the 30th minute by referee Mick Russell for serious foul play following a reckless two-footed tackle on Norwich skipper Darel Russell.

It left the Addicks battling for a point with 10-men for the second time in five days after Danny Mills was sent-off against Hull on Saturday.

"I'm not making excuses for Sam because it was a bad challenge," said Pardew.

"I'm concerned with the amount of red cards my players are picking up because in the past my teams have not had problems with discipline."

He added: "In the circumstances I'm pleased with the point because the players had to battle and scrap for everthing."

The loss of Sodje so early in the game left the Addicks battling against the odds as the defence was forced to withstand a furious battering from the home side who threw players forward in increasing numbers."

China captain Zheng Zhi had given them a 21st minute lead with a sweet left foot shot for his sixth goal of the season.

Charlton held out until the 72nd minute when Russell headed home Darren Huckerby's corner.

Charlton: Weaver; Bougherra, Sodje, McCarthy, Powell; Varney (Racon 90mins), Holland, Semedo, Zheng, Thomas; Iwelumo (McLeod 46mins, Sam 83mins). Subs not used: Randolph, Dickson.