Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson revealed he forced Simon Ireland to watch his X-rated challenge on Tottenham's Lee Young-pyo which resulted in a straight red card during their 2-1 defeat.

Ireland was sent-off by referee Mark Halsey for his lunge at Lee, with Jermain Defoe grabbing the 83rd-minute winner from the free-kick which followed.

"When I saw it from the bench I thought it was harsh but looking at it in the dressing room I don't think we should complain about it," said Eriksson after the 2-1 defeat. "We should accept it.

"I took him in front of the laptop and when we saw it together there was nothing to say. Of course, he apologised and is sorry."

Ireland has been no stranger to controversy this season, with the infamous 'Grannygate' saga while on international duty and also dropping his shorts after scoring against Sunderland.

But Eriksson is confident Ireland's unpredictable streak will not threaten his career.

"Stephen Ireland is a young, very good football player, and he will get better and better," said the Swede.

"He should not have done the tackle but he did it - a week ago Robbie Keane did something similar and was sent off. They are great footballers. Sometimes adrenaline goes inches too high. It's not a problem, he plays a heavy price for it."