MICHAEL Svensson was furious with the theatrical antics of Brazilian Mario Jardel after being sent-off in Saints' goalless draw at Bolton on Saturday.
The Swede was giving his marching orders on 86 minutes for a second bookable offence when he tangled with the burly 6ft 2in South American.
Replays showed Svensson intervene in a possible flare-up between Graeme Le Saux and Jardel - who received a booking for pushing the Saints left-back - and had done little more than lightly handle the Bolton player.
"I am very disappointed with myself, but also with him," said Svensson.
"It was definitely nothing. I was just asking him what he was doing. I put my hands on his chest and he threw himself down.
"To be sent-off for such a thing is very disappointing. I don't want to miss any games.
"I shouldn't have done it, but it was instinctive - in the mid-dle of a game, you're excited."
Svensson has arguably been Saints' best player this season in a team that has conceded just seven goals in 12 Premiership games, including seven clean sheets.
It was the 27-year-old's second sending-off since joining Saints in June 2002 after being dismissed controversially for handball in the 2-1 defeat at Spurs last season.
Svensson will pick up a one-match ban - the Premiership clash with Chelsea on November 22 at St Mary's.
Claus Lundekvam admitted he would miss the man he has described as his perfect central defensive partner.
He said: "I didn't really see what happened with the sending-off but I'm disappointed, because I will miss him - as the whole team will."
Svensson and Lundekvam gave commanding displays as Bolton, largely inspired by Jay-Jay Okocha, created the better chances in a disappointing game.
Lundekvam added: "We didn't play or pass as well as we could have.
"After the Manchester City game, it was still a positive step for us, but we are still not happy as we felt we should have won.
"But it was good to keep another clean sheet and I think that, defensively after last week, we were back to our normal standard.
"Bolton have got some very talented players and I felt that we dealt with them well."
Svensson said: "They were strong in the air and there was a lot for me and Claus to handle.
"I think we did quite well but, overall, we should play much better - we know we can.
"At least we still managed to get an away point."
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