PUNCH-UP victim Sebastien Perez today revealed he is still bewildered by the shock red card he collected against Chelsea.

And the Frenchman, who was flattened by Graeme Le Saux's attack, pleaded his innocence after a second yellow card from referee Peter Jones brought a controversial dismissal.

"It was a bad decision, I did nothing. He punched my nose," said the Blackburn Rovers star who had earlier believed his first goal for the club could be the inspiration for a crucial win.

"I would like to understand but I do not.

"For the first yellow card, I tried to play the ball and I touched the ball.

"Maybe, sometimes for a tackle, if he shows the yellow card it is the referee's decision and I can say nothing.

"But I don't understand the second one. What was it for, a kick, what? I did nothing.

"It was unbelievable and after being so happy for the goal I scored, I was really sad.

"When I was on the floor, I felt he would be sent off. It was obliged and that was a good thing for the team as it would have been 11 against 10.

"But when I stood up and I saw the referee with the second yellow card and the red I was so disappointed."

It was such a contrast to some 10 minutes earlier when Perez had scored his first Premiership goal to level the scores with Rovers well on top. And he felt aggrieved at much of the refereeing, complaining about the free kick which led to Chelsea's first goal, the penalty decision and the lack of an offside flag for the fourth!

"The referee was the man of the match, because he changed all the match with his decisions," said Perez.

"I was extremely happy for the team and for the supporters when I scored the second goal.

"In my mind, at 2-2, I thought we were going to win because we played a good game with a lot of efforts at goal.

"I felt good about it."

Unfortunately, his ecstacy turned all too soon to agony with the dismissal which is expected to mean a one-match ban.

That will force him to miss the game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, October 17.

It was only the second time that Perez has been sent off. He was also shown two yellow cards during a game in the French League two years ago.

Le Saux, who was making his first return to Ewood and was jeered from the start by the Rovers supporters, can expect a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

Saturday's opponents Everton are on the verge of signing teenage goalkeeping star Steve Simonsen from neighbours Tranmere.

But they are expected to stick with the more experienced Thomas Mhyre for the Rovers game.

Fans wanting match tickets only for next Tuesday's UEFA Cup second leg tie in Lyon can buy them from Ewood providing they are season-ticket holders or members of the Supporters' Association. They must also provide details of their travel and accommodation. Tickets are just £6 and further details can be obtained from the ticket office or the freephone line 0321-101010.

Supporters are also reminded that concessions at Everton are only available on lower tier tickets bought in advance.

Tickets are on sale until 12 noon on Friday, priced upper tier £19 (no concessions), lower tier adults £17 (juns/oaps £11).

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