Dartford boss Tony Burman has defended Lew Watts over his red-card during their 4-0 defeat at Cray Wanderers on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The experienced defender was shown a straight red card after shoving Kent referee Mr Gavin Hoare at Hayes Lane.

But Burman, who takes his side to Leatherhead on Tuesday night, explained that the former Tonbridge Angels defender thought he was pushing a Cray Wanderers’ player in order to take a free-kick.

“I just feel that Lew has pushed the referee but the way I see it, it was to get him out of the way to take a free-kick,” Burman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Lew has just said he’s seen black shorts and black socks and there was a Cray player standing next to the referee.

“The referee had his foot on the ball in the centre circle and I think in the heat of the moment Lew just got the man out of the way and it was the referee.

“I’m not denying Lew has pushed the referee and played the ball to the wing to get on with play.

“I’ve got no complaints with the referee but it wasn’t a blatant two handed push and meant to hurt the referee or upset him - Lew just wanted to get on with play.

“I just feel there was no malice in it - there was no confrontation. I just feel the referee was standing with his foot on the ball and a yellow card would be enough. The referee has seen it in the heat of the moment and has produced a red card.”