Kagisho Dikgacoi feels hard done by after being sent off on his Premier League debut as Fulham drew at West Ham yesterday.

The South African midfielder was dismissed for raising his hands to Scott Parker, but only after referee Phil Dowd had appeared to book both players for their part in an off-the-ball fracas and then went to consult his assistant referee and the fourth official.

Parker hit me with his head and I pushed him away to protect myself. I thought it was a bit unfair when the ref showed yellow cards to both of us, but to my surprise after consulting the [assistant] referee he showed me red card.

I was very disappointed with the referee’s decision because I thought I didn’t deserve the card. My coach was also angry at half time because he also felt that the referee was unfair in giving me the red card. However he comforted me and told me that these things happen in football.