DARIO Gradi believed former Crewe striker Luke Rodgers deserved his late red card for an "attack" on Ashley Westwood.

Notts County sub Rodgers appeared to have evaded justice after the stoppage-time entanglement with the Alex midfielder turned ugly.

While referee Darren Sheldrake sent off Westwood for the first time in his career, he initially issued Rodgers with only a booking.

But after consultations with his assistants amid furious scenes, Rodgers - who had appeared to raise his boot after both players flared up following their challenge - was eventually dismissed.

The double sending off detracted from an absorbing game won for County by Mike Edwards's second-half header.

"The game became a farce at the end," admitted Crewe boss Gradi. "We've got to try and be more grown up and professional.

"But there's no doubt in my mind that Luke (Rodgers) attacked Westy and the referee managed to get it right in the end and send him off."

County boss Steve Cotterill felt the official should have restricted his discipline to a yellow for each player.

"The last five minutes overshadowed the game. I'd toyed with bringing Luke on and with hindsight it was the wrong decision," he said.