Reading's Nigel Adkins defends Pavel Pogrebnyak

Reading manager Nigel Adkins has jumped to the defence of Pavel Pogrebnyak following his red card in this afternoon's goalless draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Royals were reduced to 10 men when referee Graham Scott gave the Russian a second yellow card for simulation in the 31st minute at the Madejski Stadium.

"I didn't think it was a dive, it's a clear foul," PA quotes the 48-year-old as saying. "I have to be careful what I say as a lot of managers are getting fined at the moment.

"That referee has sent a lot of players off this season, we highlighted that before the game.

"You feel for Pavel. He's had a tough time and I tried to give him an opportunity, a fresh start, and for him to get sent off for two bookings gives us a challenge going down to 10 men."

Scott also incurred the wrath of Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway last season.