Reading boss Steve Coppell admitted Andre Bikey's behaviour was inexcusable following his red card in the 1-0 defeat at Burnley in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

The temperamental Cameroon defender conceded a penalty following a foul on Clarets substitute Steve Thompson and was booked for his indiscretion.

Graham Alexander, 37, rifled home his 11th goal of the season - his 10th spot-kick - and in the closing stages Bikey became involved in a tussle with Robbie Blake which saw him shown a straight red card for stamping on the Burnley striker.

Yet Bikey - who will now miss Tuesday's decisive second leg - refused to go quietly and removed his shirt before throwing it to the ground in disgust in a remarkable show of petulance.

"The red card was fully deserved - there is no defence whatsoever," said Coppell. "We just don't accept that at our club.

"It was a hugely emotional reaction given the five minutes he had had. You have got to remember he was fouled first (by Blake) but there is still no excuse for his behaviour."