Stephen Gleeson: Birmingham City player apologises for red card

Gleeson (right) is dismissed by referee Darren Bond.

Birmingham City's Stephen Gleeson says his three-match ban will hurt more than his fine after apologising for Saturday's red card against Brentford.

The 26-year-old was sent off for a retaliatory kick on Alex Pritchard in the closing stages at St Andrew's.

"The club fine I'll get isn't going to hurt as much as watching the next three games," Gleeson told BBC WM 95.6.

"All I can say is that I apologise to everyone at the club. I feel like I've let them down."

Gleeson's sending-off, following the 86th-minute incident with Bees midfielder Pritchard, was the only blemish on an afternoon in which Blues won for the first time in 10 matches.

"The two of us got tangled," said Gleeson. "And, as we were on the ground, he kicked me, then I've reacted by kicking him.

"It was out of order and fully deserved a red card but I retaliated to being kicked. It's no excuse."

The midfielder, who has formed an effective midfield partnership over the season with David Davis, will now miss home games against Blackpool and Huddersfield, either side of a trip to Championship leaders Derby.