Welling United manager Warren Feeney reacts to 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet United in National League South

Welling manager Warren Feeney revealed captain James Dunne saw red on Saturday – for tripping over the referee.

The Wings skipper collected a second yellow card in the 83rd minute of their 1-1 draw at National League South leaders.

It means the visitors finished the game with nine men after Stefan Payne was red carded in the first half for foul and abusive language.

Feeney was far from impressed with referee Ben Atkinson, particularly after talking to the official during the half-time break.

“I know referees have a tough job but what he said to me at half-time is probably the most arrogant thing I’ve heard from anyone in professional football,” said Feeney.

“I went in and said ‘I can’t argue with what Payney said’, I went in to ask about other things.

“One of their players said ‘we asked how much are you paying the referee’ and if that’s not in the game of a red card then I don’t know what is.

“The second one he sent him off for a second yellow for tripping him, the referee, which I’ve never heard in my life. I didn’t know the referee was playing today.

“The thing at half-time was I went into see him and said can you tell me the minute they scored in please as you put up five minutes and his reply to me was read it on Twitter.

“People want us to liaise with these guys but if he’s coming out with comments like that he doesn’t deserve to be in football, I’m sorry.”

There appeared to be no love lost between the two benches either during the 90 minutes.

Feeney added: “I was trying to be the peacekeeper which is not like me, believe me.

“We’re passionate, you’re coming up against the team that is going to be right up there at the end of the season and I think that’s what has gone out of football. It’s enjoyable and you’ll