Ebbsfleet manager Jamie Day was sent from the dugout at Braintree Town on Tuesday night.

Day was furious after referee Nigel Lugg awarded a soft penalty a minute before half-time, which Kenny Davis scored to level the FA Trophy third-round tie at 1-1.

Braintree, who trailed to an early Adam Cunnington goal, hadn't looked like getting back into the game until that point and Day challenged Mr Lugg about the decision at half-time.

He was escorted to the main stand by a steward at the start of the second half. The match finished 1-1.

"I just said what I thought," Day explained. "Obviously I don’t learn at my age and I’m going to have to sort that out.

"I should know better now, after doing this for the time I’ve been doing it, but it’s frustrating when you see a decision – in my opinion – given for nothing. The lad just fell over.

"When they (referees) don’t explain why they’re giving it, they just walk in, it gets a reaction.

"Obviously it’s not good enough from me but sometimes it’s difficult to keep your mouth shut and just walk into the dressing-room when there’s no answer for a decision that’s given like that.

"I was disappointed for the boys more than anything because I thought they put in a good shift.

"To take the lead away like they did, I thought it was a poor decision and it’s ended up with us having a replay next week."