Chris Hughton says Anthony Knockaert let the side down with his red card in Bournemouth's rout at the Amex.

But Albion's manager denied it could have been a career ending tackle by the French winger on Adam Smith.

Knockaert, sent-off at Everton last season for a jump tackle on Leighton Baines, lost his head after starting an Albion move that came to nothing.

Smith intercepted Jurgen Locadia's cross and was running the ball outside of his penalty area when Knockaert flew in and cleaned him out.

Referee Kevin Friend had no hesitation in issuing a red card.

Pundit Dion Dublin, speaking on BBC, said: "I have no idea what Anthony Knockaert is thinking. He is a second-and-a-half late. It's a disgusting challenge and it could have been a career ending tackle."

Hughton, asked about Dublin's remarks, said: "I've seen far worse challenges. I would accept it's a reckless, emotional challenge.

"He is aware that he has let the team down."

Knockaert collected his goal of the month award yesterday for his spectacular winner at Crystal Palace and was named man-of-the-match in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City at Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

He now faces a three-match ban, ruling him out at home to Cardiff on Tuesday and the away games at Wolves next Saturday and Spurs three days later.