Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth explains how Armani Little was sent off against Bristol Rovers

A moment of confusion proved costly for Gillingham captain Armani Little at the end of their game against Bristol Rovers.

Little apologised to manager Gareth Ainsworth after the match, following his late red card, as the Gills were chasing an equaliser against Bristol Rovers at Priestfield.

Report: Gillingham 1 Bristol Rovers 2

Little was already on a yellow card before picking up a second deep into injury time after kicking the ball away.

“He’s apologised to me and he conveys that to the fans,” said Gills boss Ainsworth, following the 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

“He actually thought the final whistle had gone, but that sums the whole day up, it's a sending off that we didn't need to have.

“Armani thought the final whistle had gone so he kicked the ball and the ref has gone ‘No, it's a free kick, second yellow’.

“He was getting a lot of abuse for that, but listen, in the eye of the storm sometimes there's clarity and when everyone else is losing their head around you and blaming you, it's good to keep a level head, a cool head and know where you're headed.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth despaired at watching his side throw away their advantage on Saturday…#gills #gfc
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“I know that next season this will not be good enough, my head will be on the chopping block, definitely, but I've got to make some changes and that's evident. after today, even more so.”

Little’s dismissal means he will now be suspended for the trip to Crawley Town next Saturday.

Ainsworth is already short of midfield options with Robbie McKenzie, Ethan Coleman, Euan Williams and Cameron Antwi out injured. Nelson Khumebni hasn’t been involved since starting at Cambridge, a game which ended