FORMER Saints striker Billy Sharp was sent off after less than a minute during Doncaster Rovers' 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Sharp, 39, was given his marching orders 53 seconds after coming on from the bench following a scuffle with an AFC Wimbledon defender.

He clashed with Welsh defender Joe Lewis during his first attack and was given his marching orders before even touching the ball.

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Doncaster boss Grant McCann revealed the veteran forward took full accountability for his moment of madness after the game.

"Billy makes a mistake. He's an experienced player, and he's held his hands up in the changing room there. I'm sure he'll be devastated," he said.

"But we'll support him. From where I was, it looked like he just pushed him, but (on replay) it looks like it's more than that.

"I'll let you watch it again and see. It's frustrating to lose him, but someone else will have to step up."

Sharp scored nine goals in 15 Championship appearances for Saints during the promotion-winning 2011/12 campaign.

He made two appearances in the Premier League under Nigel Adkins before spells on loan at Nottingham Forest, Reading and Doncaster Rovers.