CARLISLE boss Greg Abbott pointed an accusing finger at Cherries management duo Lee Bradbury and Russ Wilcox after he had been banished to the stand at Seward Stadium on Saturday.

Abbott was sent from the dugout by referee Phil Gibbs after tempers had flared on the touchline following a clash on the pitch between Harry Arter and Liam Noble.

Carlisle midfielder Noble reacted angrily following a challenge with Arter and appeared to grab the Cherries substitute around the neck with both hands.

The incident sparked a heated exchange between Abbott and Bradbury before the Carlisle manager was sent to the stand after referee Gibbs had consulted fourth official Paul Rees. Noble was booked.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, which took place in the press box at Seward Stadium, Abbott said: “Lee and Russell were trying to get our man into trouble and I just tried to stop it. The next thing I knew, I was sitting in the stand.

“The referee will make what he wants of it but it spoiled it. I didn’t like the way they reacted to Liam. I think that is wrong.

“I thought me being sent to the stand was ridiculously harsh but that is the way it goes.”

The Daily Echo was unable to illicit a response from Bradbury as we have been informed by the AFC Bournemouth press office that we will no longer be permitted to attend post-match interviews which take place pitch side at Seward Stadium.