Peterborough United manager was Darren Ferguson furious after picking up a yellow card which has triggered a touchline ban in Saturday’s League One home defeat at the hands of Reading.

Ferguson was cautioned in the closing stages of a 2-1 loss to the Royals. It was his third yellow card of the season which leads to an automatic one-hame touchline suspension which he will serve at the FA Cup second round tie at home to Notts County next Saturday (November 30).

Both Ferguson and Reading boss Ruben Selles were cautioned deep in stoppage time by referee Scott Simpson. Selles was booked for berating the fourth official, while Ferguson was booked for entering the field of play as he delivered a message to his players.

The Posh boss was not happy with the situation after the game and accused rulemakers of trying to take the emotion of the game.

Darren Ferguson is shown a yellow card. Photo: Joe Dent.

placeholder image — Darren Ferguson is shown a yellow card. Photo: Joe Dent.

Ferguson said: “I’m sick of this. The game has gone. Ruben will admit what he’s done and I’ve just gone on the pitch to tell my players whatever I’m telling them and I’ve been booked. There’s no malice in it, I’m not having a go at anyone but now I’m banned because it’s a booking. I’ve been booked for showing enthusiasm. The game has absolutely gone. Emotion is no longer allowed. We’re meant to be like robots and it does my head in.”

Posh goalscorer Emmanuel Fernandez also picked up a booking in the 96th minute. That was his fifth League One caution of the season so he will be banned from the home game against bottom club Burton Albion on Wednesday, December 4.