GARRY Flitcroft's new team-mates today backed Blackburn Rovers' "devastated" red-card victim to the hilt.

And there were also harsh words for referee Jeff Winter who seemed to over-react, perhaps influenced by the actions of Everton striker Duncan Ferguson.

Rovers' £3 million signing from Manchester City, sent off after less than three minutes of his debut at Ewood, faces a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

Though the club will consider the possibility of an appeal after they have studied the video of Flitcroft's clash with Everton's Tony Grant.

The new boy was under orders not to talk about an incident in which many observers felt he was unlucky to receive his marching orders, after Ferguson made matters worse by charging in to intervene.

But Chris Coleman reflected the feelings in the Rovers dressing room when he said: "I was only 10 yards away and it didn't look a bad offence to me.

"Garry's not like that anyway.

"We lost the game on that decision. We were disappointed with it and with a few decisions he made after that with the crowd on his back.

"Garry's devastated. It was his first game and he wants to make an impression.

"He was looking forward to it and this has killed him. His head is on the floor."

Mike Newell was similarly upset, saying: "I thought he was just protecting himself, as you do. Everybody jumps with their arm up if it's a 50-50 ball."

"He was obviously enthusiastic but he had no reason to hurt a player." Newell felt that Ferguson's reaction definitely had a bearing on the decision to dismiss Flitcroft.

But the striker was scathing of refereeing standards in general.

He said: "I think they have been influenced by the rules which have been brought in but I think the standard is diabolical. I don't think they know the difference between a foul and a genuine attempt to get the ball.

"I do think that people are trying to make a name for themselves.

"They are on TV and they are becoming celebrities.

"The more people make of it, the more status they get and the bigger the influence they have on the game.

"Players are getting suspended for fun.

"Centre halves are getting suspended around Christmas because they tot up the points.

"The likes of Colin Hendry and Dave Watson are honest, genuine centre halves. They are not dirty players but you can't tackle now.

"And you can't talk to referees, you can only tell them what you think.

"There's nothing wrong with a competitive game."

Other Rovers players were reluctant to go public on their feelings but, privately, they were seething about the decision which put Everton in the driving seat. It could also wreck Flitcroft's hopes of settling into the side on the run-in before starting afresh next season.

The midfielder is also on the verge of a personal appearance before the Football Association - because of the disciplinary points he had totted up at Manchester City - before he came to Ewood.

If, as expected, he collects a three-match suspension, it will start at Nottingham Forest on Saturday week and means he will also be unavailable for the Wimbledon and Arsenal home games.

Rovers B team continued their march to the Lancashire League Second Division title with a 2-1 home win over Rochdale. James Thomas scored and there was also an own goal.

The A team won 2-0 at Blackpool with goals from James Beattie and Craig Chisholm.

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