Roy Keane felt Tom Eastman “deserved the benefit of the doubt”, after being sent off on his Ipswich Town debut.

The Colchester-born defender, who lives in Clacton, was dismissed for two bookings during yesterday’s 3-0 defeat by Sheffield United at Portman Road.

Essex referee Andy D’Urso punished the young defender for fouls on Nyron Nosworthy and Matthew Lowton.

And it meant his first-team debut resulted in being sent for an early bath, just before the hour mark.

“I thought it was harsh,” said Town boss Roy Keane.

“For the second booking he definitely got a touch on the ball.

“I really think the referee should have given the boy the benefit of the doubt.

“It looked to me like he couldn’t wait to send him off, rather than having a quick word with him.

“I was disappointed for the player because I don’t think he deserved it."

For the full story and more on Ipswich Town see today's Gazette.