This was the moment which divided opinion at the Amex today.

Andrew Crofts was sent off on his return to competitive action after seven months away.

The midfielder was dismissed for a foul in midfield on Sam Hutchinson.

Crofts and skipper Gordon Greer are clearly stunned by the decision - while Sheffield Wednesday fans celebrate in the background.

Wednesday boss Stuart Gray felt the decision by referee James Linington was spot on.

His counterpart Sami Hyypia declined to comment.

He said: "I can't change the decision so why would I talk about that?

"There's all kinds of speculation.

"Was it a red card or not? That's just a waste of time for me."

Crofts’ new team mate Chris O’Grady said: “I thought it was slightly harsh. I don’t think it was worthy of a red card.”

And ex-Albion defender Gary Chivers told listeners to BBC Radio Sussex it was an "unbelievable decision".

Gray, however, praised Linington's handling of the game, notably in the first half.

The Owls boss added: "He has caught him. I'm pleased Sam got up because it looked a nasty challenge.

"The referee took his time - whether he got information from his fourth official.

"But I think it was a straight red."

He added: "I don’t think the red card made any difference to the result because we controlled the game before it and we controlled the game after it as well.”