Manager Stephen Baxter was scathing in his criticism of referee Adrian McCourt after four Crusaders players were sent-off in the Boxing Day clash at Seaview.

Chris Morrow, David Rainey, Aaron Black and Ryan McCann were red-carded with Baxter and Cliftonville's Ryan Catney.

"I have never seen a more one-sided performance by a referee against a team in my life," said Baxter.

"The whole show was about Adrian McCourt. I feel sorry for him because his reputation is now in tatters."

Crusaders will now be without the four players for Tuesday's important carling Premiership match against Linfield on Tuesday night.

But he was not critical of his players, dismissing suggestions that they lacked discipline.

"The referee lost control - not my players," said the Seaview supremo.

"They played with pride and passion.

"There were fouls going on all day by Cliftonville which the referee did not give anything for.

"But every niggling thing was blown up against us.

"After the 20th terrible decision I called the referee a joke and he could not wait to send me off."

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