Gillingham manager Steve Evans blasted the “shocking challenge” that preceded his red card on Tuesday night.

Evans reacted to a lunging challenge from Crawley Town’s Ludwig Francillette which cleaned out their young striker Gerald Sithole right infront of the Gillingham bench. His heated words to the officials landed him trouble and referee Paul Howard sent him to the stands.

“Everyone who was in the ground knew it was a red card challenge,” Evans said afterwards. “Whatever the referee thinks I have said then I have no problem confirming it but what I said shouldn’t have got me put up there (in the stand). We will deal with that another day.

“Their chairman came and looked for me and had the same view as me about the challenge on young Gerald, it was horrendous, but he congratulated us and thought we probably deserved to win it.

“What we have to do is look after players and I saw a challenge that has no place in football but when you react the easy option is to put me upstairs. Well, maybe someone has to look at that challenge and give the referee a few weeks off.

“It was a shocking challenge. It was a leg-breaking challenge if I am being honest. I think Gerald’s pace has done him. I am not saying it is malicious, but it is leg-breaking. Thankfully the kid got up.”

Sithole, 18, had earlier scored the game’s opening goal and he also converted from the penalty spot as the Gills won the tie in a shootout.

More: Gills beat Crawley in thrilling penalty shootout