Tooting & Mitcham frontman Paul Vines has launched a tirade against over-zealous match officials after being red-carded on his goalscoring return to action at Worthing on Saturday.

Vines struck a decisive late goal in the Terrors' crucial 4-3 win on the south coast to keep them top of Ryman Division One South.

But he was promptly sent from the field after being given a second yellow card for celebrating with the travelling Tooting support.

And the striker, who had been out for over a month with an ankle injury, remains angry at his treatment.

Vines said: "I got booked early in the game for a bit of a tussle and have no complaints over that.

"All week in the gym I had been having a bit of banter with a kid who said I wouldn't score in my first game back.

"So, when I scored, I saw him behind the goal and pointed to him.

"As I was coming back to lineup the ref called me over and I thought Oh no, here we go'."

Confusion then reigned as Vines was given another yellow card, but as he trudged off the pitch was called back by the referee - who had forgotten the first booking.

And it was only when Worthing manager Alan Pook got involved that the referee realised his error and sent Vines for an early bath.

He added: "The ref said to me he was booking me for leaving the field of play and singling out a fan.

"He admitted it was ridiculous, but said that rules are rules.

"All I was doing was celebrating with Tooting fans, I just wanted to celebrate with the people it meant the most to.

"Honestly, I am convinced that, if the referee had remembered he had already booked me, I don't think I would have got a second yellow.

"I will definitely be more careful how I celebrate my goals in the future."