Swans boss Matos defends Stamenic over red card

Swansea boss Matos defended Stamenic's 26th-minute red card against Birmingham, arguing the midfielder played the ball rather than fouling Laird, though he faces a three-match ban.

Marko Stamenic was sent off in the 26th minute of Swansea City's defeat at Birmingham City for a challenge on Ethan Laird. Swansea manager Vitor Matos defended the decision, insisting Stamenic touched the ball twice with his feet and made no contact with Laird, suggesting the red card was harsh.

"I think what happened in that situation was that Marko touched the ball. He tackled the ball with the first foot, he tackled the ball with the second foot. There's no contact between the two players," Matos said.

Birmingham capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Jay Stansfield scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory and move the Blues to the top of the Championship table. Stamenic will serve a three-match suspension, missing games against West Brom, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City after the international break, unless Swansea successfully appeal.

Matos also complained about objects being thrown from the crowd during the second half, with the referee collecting two lighters as evidence.