QPR captain Joey Barton defended his dismissal after defeat to Hull City.
It was the ninth sending off of the controversial midfielder's career - with referee Anthony Taylor having little option but to show red when Barton struck Tom Huddlestone with a cheap shot below the belt.
"I'm gutted I got sent off. I've let my team-mates down today and being someone who puts the team above everything else I'm gutted about that," he posted on Twitter shortly after full-time.
"Young kid making his debut has made a good tackle. Couple of Hull players trying to get him sent off. My job as captain is to protect him.
"I've tried to prevent Hull's players influencing referee as u can see by me pushing Bruce away.
"I've apologised to the lads and would like to apologise to all QPR fans who travelled today.
"My actions towards Huddlestone were certainly not malicious, it was a stupid reaction to being barged but I can appreciate it wasn't right."
