Maidstone defender Raphe Brown has accused the officials of guesswork following his mistaken-identity dismissal.

Brown was incorrectly shown a second yellow card at the end of United’s Boxing Day draw at Tonbridge.

Angels celebrated their injury-time equaliser in front of the visitors’ dugout but Brown, who’d been substituted, was no more than an observer in the fracas that followed.

Referee Nick Dunn sent him off - costing him a place in the Stones’ FA Cup third-round tie against Stevenage next month - after consulting with his linesman.

Timmy Abraham was the man they wanted - admitting his guilt to the officials - but their decision stood.

Brown is free to play in the return game against Tonbridge on New Year’s Day but is set to miss the Stevenage match on January 6.

It's emerged second yellow cards can be appealed in cases of mistaken identity, so there could yet be hope for Brown if proof is available.

“They scored their goal and celebrated in front of our bench,” said Brown.

“Everyone stood up, including myself, but a few players actually engaged in talking and tussling. I just stood up. I didn’t touch anyone, didn’t engage.

“The lino said he saw my number but I had my coat on with a bib over my coat so he can’t have done.

“He was guessing, saying it was him, him, him. He didn’t really know. He made a guess and I got a second yellow card. It’s ridiculous.

“Timmy said it was him, ‘I was doing this, I was doing that’ but they were having none of it.

“They had their minds set on me and that’s what happened.

“It’s gutting because I got taken off so I wouldn’t get a second yellow and somehow, magically, I get a second yellow.

“I wouldn’t do something that stupid. I’m a calm boy, I don’t engage in that type of stuff. It’s very annoying.”

You got the wrong man

As for the game, Brown was pleased with Maidstone’s performance in ending a run of three defeats.

They were on course for victory following Matt Rush’s second-half strike but Jordan Higgs levelled at the death.

Brown is looking forward to the return game at the Gallagher.

He said: “To be fair, I think that’s the best we’ve played in a few weeks. I think we controlled the game.

“They didn’t really have many opportunities.

“We moved the ball well and created chances.

“On another day we score more but they’ve scored a last-minute worldie goal.

“What can you do? That’s football.

“Next week when we play them again, we need to try and put them away earlier. We just have to take our chances.

“When you have that many set-pieces, that many corners, you can’t let them off the hook, you’ve got to score.

“We got a goal in the end but one isn’t enough.

“As much as we’re all annoyed that we didn’t win, at least we didn’t lose, which is the main thing. It’s something to build on.”

Brown signed a new deal last summer after proving his fitness following a long-term ankle injury.

He’s had to be patient at times but had just won back his place before the red card, adding to the frustration.

“I’ve played a lot of games this season and dropped in and out of form, which was always going to happen,” said Brown.

“I’ve kept my head down in training.

“The gaffer said just keep working hard, you’ll get your opportunity, it’s up to you to take it.

“To get this red card is annoying because it’s going to mess up my flow but it’s only one game so hopefully I’ll be back in the team.

“The ankle is fine. The general fitness is all fine. I’m feeling strong and feeling good.”