Sam Allardyce blasts "irresponsible" Kevin Nolan

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has branded Kevin Nolan as "irresponsible" for getting sent off during Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.

The Hammers' captain was shown a straight red card with eight minutes left to play at Anfield for a challenge on Jordan Henderson.

"It was a very irresponsible action," he told the club's official website.

"No matter how frustrated you get, you shouldn't be doing that sort of thing, especially when you're a man of his experience."

West Ham return to Premier League action next Saturday when they entertain fellow strugglers Sunderland.