Maidstone United defender Raphe Brown feels he was unlucky to be sent off on his 100th appearance for the club

Raphe Brown feels he was unfortunate to be sent off on his 100th appearance for Maidstone United.

Defender Brown starts a three-match suspension at Hornchurch on Saturday following his dismissal in the 1-0 defeat at Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday last week.

He was shown a straight red for a sliding challenge in front of the Boro dugout - and feels the reaction played a part.

“I don’t think it was a dangerous tackle, or high, I wasn’t the last man,” said Brown.

“I think it was one of those cases of you’re playing away, their whole bench jumped up, all their players ran towards me and it kind of swayed the ref. I think I was unlucky with that.

“I would say a yellow at max but what can you do?

“It’s very annoying because there aren’t many games left, I’ve just got back in the team and playing well and now I’m out.

“But I’ve got to keep my head down in training, stay fit and be ready for when I’m back.

“Charlie (Seaman) even said to me before the game, this is your 100th game, don’t do anything silly. I think he kind of cursed me.”

Long-serving Brown made his Stones debut in a 1-0 FA Cup win at Hendon at the start of the delayed 2020/21 season, a campaign that was eventually curtailed due to the pandemic.

He made a big impact, playing left-back in his early days, although centre-half has always been his favourite position.

Brown would have reached 100 appearances a long time ago but for some rotten luck with injuries.

Indeed, he missed an entire year with an ankle injury.

“I’m very grateful to make 100 appearances for this club,” said Brown.

“It should have come quicker but these things happen. That’s football.

“It’s an honour to get 100 appearances and hopefully long may it continue.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment of playing for