Ex-Saints boss slams his half-time sending off (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Ex-Saints boss slams his half-time sending off

1:23pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Sport

NIGEL PEARSON

Former Saints boss Nigel Pearson revealed he watched the second half of Leicester’s 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough last night from the stands because he was sent there by the referee at half-time.

Pearson alleged that the referee barged into Leicester's dressing room towards the end of the interval as he was talking to his players.

When he emerged, he was informed by the fourth official that he had been sent off for what he had said to official Gavin Ward.

Pearson was furious following the incident and has vowed to challenge any action the Football Association might take.

"I don't know what really happened," said Pearson. "I was talking to my players and giving them instructions for the second half when I was rudely interrupted.

"I didn't see who it was that barged into my dressing room but I told them to get out - and that may be a euphemism for what I actually said.

"When I am talking to my players in my space and someone tries to interrupt me and talk to me when they have not been invited to do so, that is rude.

"In future what I will do to avoid any repeat of the situation is lock the dressing room door."

Pearson added: "I am all for the Respect Campaign and things getting back to how they were.

"When I was a player people could say what they wanted without all this red tape.

"Respect is a two-way thing and I look forward to reading the referee's report. I can't wait. It will be interesting.

"I was furious having to watch from the stands and I can't wait to see what the reaction to all this will be.

"If the FA have to get involved then I will be appealing, there's no doubt about that. I can't wait to see what happens."

On the pitch, Jermaine Beckford continued his rich vein of scoring form to earn Leicester a deserved point with a late equaliser.

Beckford had done everything but score before popping up with his sixth goal in his last four matches with four minutes remaining.

It had looked like a rare Tom McMahon goal would give Middlesbrough victory when he struck in the 79th minute.

Former Saints striker Scott McDonald had earlier cancelled out David Nugent's opener for Leicester.