FC CLACTON boss Kieron Shelley feels his team are being unfairly cast as a dirty side after picking up their sixth red card of the season.

Charlie Thompson was sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at home to Newmarket Town, in the Thurlow Nunn League.

“People on the outside will think we’re a dirty team but we’re not, by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.

“We’re a good footballing side.

“We’re hungry and maybe a bit too enthusiastic at times, giving away a few silly free-kicks, but we didn’t look like a side that deserved another five bookings and a sending-off.

“We looked like a side that had their backs against the wall and were giving everything for the shirt.

“Why should that be penalised?

“We’re not going out there kicking people, pulling them over or swearing and shouting.”

Clacton make the long trip to Fakenham Town on Saturday but return to the Bowl on Tuesday night, for a derby match against Rymer’s Brantham.