Worthing manager Alan Pook has accused the referee of a 'sense of humour failure' after he was dismissed from the dugout during the victory over Kingstonian in midweek.

Pook denied he was shown a red card for using foul and abusive language at the opposing bench, shortly after Shaun Grice was sent off for retaliation.

Pook said: "Shaun Grice was brought down by a potential leg-breaking challenge right in front of the referee. The player then walked over Shaun after the tackle, stamping on him, and Shaun kicked out, although he didn't make any contact.

"The Kingstonian player was shown a yellow, Shaun had three or four minutes treatment and then was shown a red.

"I wanted to make a substitution and when the referee asked me who I wanted to sub I replied: 'You preferably, but failing that my No. 9.' He had a complete sense of humour failure and asked me to leave the dugout."

Pook added: "The report in The Argus said I was sent off for foul and abusive language. That is wholly incorrect."

The Rebels are at Thamesmead tomorrow in the FA Cup. Grice (bruised calf/shin) and Nko Ekoku (shoulder) are doubtful.