Caldwell blames red card on Scottish accent

Referee Declan Bourne sent Caldwell off in second-half stoppage time

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell believes his Scottish accent is the reason he was sent off at Lincoln City last week.

The Grecians boss was sent from the dugout for his reaction to the fourth official after a late winning goal was disallowed for a handball in the 0-0 draw.

Stirling-born Caldwell says he did not use bad language or run towards the fourth official at Sincil Bank.

The former Celtic captain and Scotland defender addressed the issue for the first time on Thursday as his red card meant he was not allowed to conduct post-match interviews after Saturday's game.

"I obviously went over to the fourth official, who is 20 yards away because that's where the fourth official is at that stadium," Caldwell explained to BBC Radio Devon.

"So there is no way to communicate with the fourth official unless you leave your technical area. I didn't run, he said I was aggressive, people who know me, I've got a Scottish accent.

"Jen (Caldwell's wife) complains all the time how aggressive I am to her, to the kids, to the dog - I think it's the Scottish accent.

"It comes across very aggressive, but I didn't swear, I didn't run, in my opinion I wasn't aggressive.

"My accent and my Scottishness is aggressive, but yeah, I got sent off for that."

Caldwell has received a letter from the football authorities regarding his red card, which is his second this year.

The 42-year-old was given a two-match ban and fined £2,750 after being sent from the dugout in the 2-1 loss at Wycombe Wanderers in January.

But Caldwell feels his passion is being mistaken for aggression.

"I think we're getting a reputation for being ill-disciplined when I just think we're passionate and want the very best for our football club," he added.

"I don't think we're getting that and ultimately I'm paying the price and I do have to probably look at it have to change, and probably try and change my accent and be a little bit more 'Englified'.

"I can't obviously speak in my own accent because it comes across very aggressive, so I'm going to need to look at it because I do accept that it can't keep happening.

"But this time I genuinely feel like it was very, very harsh - a yellow card would have been more than enough."