Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce rounded on referee Mike Jones after he dismissed substitute Jason Roberts in the goalless draw against West Brom.

Roberts had only been the pitch for 10 minutes after stepping off the bench when he was red-carded for what the referee saw in an off-the-ball incident with Jonas Olsson.

The striker, who had been sidelined with a stress fracture of the foot, looked bewildered at the decision, as did Allardyce. Roberts will miss the first three games of next season, although Blackburn intend to appeal.

Allardyce said: "The referee said Jason had been sent off for punching Olsson. It is not a punch. It is not even an elbow in the face. He has swung around to get his arm away from Olsson, who is having a tug at him.

"I have had a look at it on the laptop and I cannot see how it is a straight red card.

"Jason is looking at missing three games unless common sense prevails and the appeals committee agree with my view on it."