MICHAEL Appleton waited to speak with referee Brett Huxtable after being sent to the stands in Oxford United's 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic.

In a game which became more feisty on the pitch as the afternoon wore on, with Oldham's Ousmane Fane red carded for two bookings, the anger was also seen in the technical area.

With ten minutes remaining Appleton, normally so calm on the touchline, became embroiled in a row with the Oldham coaching staff.

The U's boss had to be restrained at one stage, before being sent to the stands along with Oldham goalkeeper coach Carlo Nash.

Appleton, who had a friendly conversation with Nash afterwards, was still unhappy with the decision and wanted to speak with Huxtable to gain some clarity over why he was sent off.

He said: "I got a little bit frustrated that for 75 minutes I had to listen to their bench have a go at the fourth official for things that were happening on the field.

"As soon as I got to question one decision, which was absolutely a nailed-on foul on Phil Edwards, I got sent to the stands.

"I'm not sure how many times they came out of their box, but it was certainly in double figures.

"Unfortunately for some reason, the first time I opened my mouth I got sent to the stands."

He added: "I don't mind paying the fine, as long as they tell me exactly what I'm paying it for."

Oldham boss Stephen Robinson said: "I was asking (the referee) why people weren’t booked for diving.

"We spoke nicely, hence why I didn’t get sent off."

He added: "Appy is a passionate boy and we’ve got passionate staff here as well and I don’t think there was any harm done in the end.

"I don’t think Carlo did a whole lot wrong – he questioned a decision with the fourth official and the fourth official called the referee over.

"I don’t think it was said aggressively at all, so I have no qualms about passion."