How the Irish fared: Jonathan Douglas accused of causing Bamba to see red

Neil Warnock accused Jonathan Douglas of sparking an extraordinary outburst from Sol Bamba after the defender was sent off for confronting the fourth official — and his own manager — in Cardiff’s Championship 1-1 draw at Ipswich on Saturday.

Bamba was furious after a late tackle by Douglas, jabbing his finger in the direction of fourth official Charles Breakspear before angrily brushing off Warnock’s attempts to calm him down.

Warnock admitted Bamba had to be sent off but also hit out at Douglas’ tackle.

“I think Douglas has been clever - he has left his studs on the ankle,” Warnock said.

“If the referee had just blown for a foul, it would have stopped all the hassle.

“But he tried to give advantage, which we didn’t want, and it erupts. I have no complaints about the red card. He just lost his rag.”

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has seen most things in the game but even he was taken aback by Bamba’s behaviour. “I have seen players lose it, and I have lost it myself, but never on the fourth official. It probably was a foul but you can’t condone what he did - he thoroughly deserved to be sent off.”

Scott Hogan once again showcased why he’s on Ireland’s wanted list by scoring twice as Brentford eased their relegation fears by beating Burton 2-1. Hogan’s brace brought his tally to 13 in 20 Championship games this season, an impressive haul that illustrates why Martin O’Neill is so keen to get the Manchester-born player to commit to Irish cause.

Nigel Clough was on the receiving end on Saturday but the Burton boss was still impressed by the 24-year-old’s marksmanship.

“They were two great finishes and to be honest that was the difference between the two sides. That is what can make or break you at this level,” said Clough.

It could have been even better for Hogan as he looked to have completed a hat-trick only to be thwarted by a referee’s whistle, a decision that baffled Brentford boss Dean Smyth. He said: “I have no idea what Scott’s goal was disallowed for. He won the challenge fair and square.”

Conor Hourihane scored a stunner as Barnsley beat Norwich City 2-1. It was Hourihane’s fourth goal of the season but his first since mid-September and the midfielder admitted the dry spell had been playing on his mind.

He said: “I hadn’t scored in a little bit, I’ve been setting up a couple of goals but always in the back of my mind I know I haven’t scored in a little bit. To get another one today was pleasing.” Elsewhere Matt Doherty netted as Wolves drew 4-4 with Fulham.

In League One, Rory Gaffney was one of six goalscorers as Bristol Rovers beat Bury 4-2 while Stephen McLaughlin netted as Southend saw off Coventry City 3-1.

In League Two, James Collins scored in each half as Crawley Town won 2-0 at Crewe while Graham Carey opened the scoring as Plymouth beat Doncaster 2-0 to reclaim top spot.

In the Scottish Premiership, defender Rob Kiernan scored his first goal for Rangers as they recorded a 2-0 win over Hearts. And in League One, Fiacre Kelleher, on loan at Peterhead from Celtic, netted in the 1-1 draw with Alloa.