How the Irish fared: Carruthers regrets red in MK loss to Leeds

Samir Carruthers took to social media to apologise to his MK Dons team-mates for his dismissal in the 2-1 Championship defeat to Leeds United on Saturday.

Carruthers was shown a straight red card by referee David Webb as his side lost for a fourth game in succession.

The Ireland U21 international posted on Instagram: “Would like to apologise to my team-mates and fans today for letting you down with the sending off. (I) don’t think I deserved a straight red but lesson learnt. I’ll hold my hands up!”

Carruthers’ dismissal enraged MK Dons manager Karl Robinson. “The refereeing was atrocious. The Samir Carruthers tackle — he’s jumped across the face of the ball, and not into the person. He (the referee) should have to tell you why he sent Samir off. If the referee is in charge next week, it’s poor. In my view, he’s had a horrific game.”

It was also a frustrating weekend for Chris Hughton’s Brighton after the leaders saw their advantage reduced to three points following a scoreless draw at a Wolves side reduced to 10 men for most of the second half.

Hughton, who also saw his team miss a penalty, said: “We’re delighted to keep the (unbeaten) run going, but frustrated as we had a chance to take all three points.”

In League One, a David Mooney header put Southend on course for a 2-0 win at Millwall while a scuffed effort from Conor Hourihane helped Barnsley secure a 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

It was a quiet weekend for the Irish in League Two although Michael Doyle was sent off after a second yellow in Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw against Oxford.