How Cardiff defender Sol Bamba bizarrely avoided yellow card for taking his shirt off

Cardiff celebrate Sol Bamba's winner - team-mate Bobby Decordova-Reid (14) is holding Bamba's shirt. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Sol Bamba bizarrely avoided being booked for taking his shirt off after scoring the winner in Cardiff City's win against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

The Bluebirds won 2-1 thanks to Bamba's last-minute strike but the defender afterwards admitted he told referee Martin Atkinson that he DID NOT take his shirt off, so was not yellow-carded.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bamba said: "The ref asked if I took my shirt off and I said no."

The officials missed Bamba sprint to the touchline with his shirt off - in front of one of the assistant referees - and Cardiff boss Neil Warnock said: "I don't think Martin will have done that on purpose, if he didn't see it that is what linesmen are for isn't it?"

"I did mention to the referee when he warned us before the game about taking your shirt off that I hoped three of my lads got booked for taking off their shirts today, because we don't score too many goals, do we?"

Brighton fans were disappointed with the officials' performance in the game as Dale Stephens was sent off, Albion supporters felt harshly, before Bamba scored the winner despite appearing to be in an offside position.

HAVE YOU READ?

Cardiff v Brighton player ratings

Chris Hughton post-match reaction

Neil Warnock post-match reaction

Match report: Cardiff 2, Brighton 1