CHERRIES head coach Scott Parker admitted he was “not sure” why Adam Smith was sent off after being substituted, during his team’s 2-1 defeat at Preston.

The full-back was given his marching orders by referee Matt Donohue, along with Parker, following Emil Riis’s 89th-minute winner at Deepdale.

Smith had already been replaced by Ethan Laird on 67 minutes during the contest in Lancashire.

Parker revealed post-match he was not happy with a challenge on Philip Billing in the build-up to the Lilywhites’ second goal, but strenuously denied using any foul or abusive language towards the officials.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether he saw what happened with defender Smith, while he was getting sent off himself, Parker replied: “I don’t know. I’m not sure either.

“I don’t know whether Smithy has come down. I’m sure he’s come down and said it’s a foul.

“Maybe that’s the reason but I don’t know.”

Smith would face a two-match ban for “offensive, insulting or abusive language” if that is what his dismissal was judged as.

The Dorset club are set to take on Peterborough United in the Championship on Tuesday.