READING FC captain Paul McShane blamed his red-card challenge on being ‘pulled back’ by Neeskens Kebano in the wake of Royals’ 1-1 draw against Fulham in the play-off semi-final.

The skipper was sent straight down the tunnel on Saturday afternoon after he appeared to lunge at Fulham’s Kevin McDonald, catching the midfielder on the knee.

The Cottagers immediately surrounded referee Stuart Attwell who walked across to consult with his assistant before brandishing the red card.

The pressure was on Reading to see out the final 11 minutes of the game, but they held on for a draw which they can take into the second-leg at Madejski Stadium tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

However, posting on social media, 31-year-old McShane insisted he tried to take the ball.

He said: “Great performance from everyone yesterday but still hard work to be done.

"I have to take my red on the chin but it was a genuine attempt to win a breaking ball. I was pulled back which meant I'm leaning back & why my foot has gone high.

“Keep the faith.”

Reading will not be appealing McShane's red card and a three-match ban which means he will miss the semi-final second-leg plus the final at Wembley should Royals get there and the first game of next season.

If Reading lose on Tuesday, McShane would miss the first two matches of next season.

Reading Chronicle:

Paul McShane walks off the pitch after his red card at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

However, Royals boss Stam has Joey van den Berg fit-again for selection after his recent spell on the sidelines.

And the manager is confident Reading can cope without their captain.

“I saw a replay and Macca is not a player who does that on purpose," he argued. "He went for the ball, he tried to reach it, but their player nicked it in front of him. He was a bit late and caught the player on the knee.

“When Paul has been out with injuries other players have stepped up, so we can still win the next game without him.

"Macca is a very important piece of the puzzle but we trust all our players, we're confident we can still do well.

"From what I saw today I know we can do it. We're confident in what we can bring to the game.

"Fulham are a very talented team and even though we have home advantage is doesn't guarantee anything.”