Shell-shocked Phil Parkinson will today try to get his head round the incredible post-match brawl that has blown a huge hole in City’s survival ambitions.

Defenders Andrew Davies and Luke Oliver plus goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin were all shown red cards in the dressing room after the 2-1 home loss to Crawley ended in a free-for-all.

McLaughlin and Oliver now miss the next three games – while Davies is likely to be banned for five after being sent off for a third time this season.

Referee Iain Williamson also dismissed Crawley defenders Pablo Mills and Claude Davis after the melee in the centre circle.

Parkinson admitted he was lost for words – but slammed Crawley’s tactics for “making it into a war”.

He blasted: “That’s the way Crawley play. We told the players before the game not to get involved and we have.

“If you look at Crawley’s record, they incite that type of incident. Speak to every manager and there’s a long list of them.

“If you’re going to be successful and you have to do it that way, then it’s quite a sad indictment on our game.

“But we have to keep our discipline better. If our players have thrown punches they’ll have to face the maximum fine.

“I can’t remember being in a situation like this. To get three red cards (after the game) like this is unheard of.”

Parkinson claimed the fight was triggered by Crawley substitute Davis throwing a punch at Davies. The City centre half responded and other players piled in.

But the City chief felt Williamson could have waited to view the incident again on DVD before taking action.

He said: “I thought he should have waited to look at it. But he was absolutely adamant that the players he picked out deserved to be sent off.

“I had as good a view as the ref and I couldn’t pick the players out as clear as that. It’s a big call and you have to be sure.”

Parkinson is expected to recall keeper Matt Duke from Northampton for Saturday’s crunch trip to relegation rivals Plymouth. Guy Branston could also come in from the cold to cover the absence of both centre halves.

The City boss said: “I don’t think too many managers have been in this position. I’m finding it quite a difficult one to get my head round.

“To lose the players is a big blow for us, especially Andrew Davies who’s been terrific. He stood up to it magnificently again and he will be a big miss.

“It was a tough game because Crawley got back to front really quickly and put your back four under pressure. I thought we did okay in the main.”