Apologetic Dean Windass today took the rap for his red-card madness - but denied his victim's claim that he had gone in deliberately to hurt him.

Windass was sent off for an x-rated lunge on Bournemouth defender Neil Young after 12 minutes of Saturday's goalless draw at Valley Parade.

The City striker went to the away dressing room after the game to say sorry but Young, the brother of England international Luke, was having none of it.

Young blasted: "He knew it was a bad tackle, otherwise he wouldn't have tried to apologise.

"He raised his knees to his chest and went in two-footed. I'm convinced he meant to do something and it wasn't to get the ball.

"If my leg had been rooted to the floor, it could have shattered into a million pieces.

"I love a tackle myself but I always go for the ball and would never deliberately go out to hurt anybody. We've all got to go in for work on a Monday and there's absolutely no place in the game for tackles like that."

Windass admitted it was a bad challenge but insisted there was no nasty intent.

"I haven't gone to do the lad," he said. "I saw him come in with two feet and tried to protect myself by getting my knees up.

"It looks bad but I didn't go in maliciously to hurt him. But I had an idea I'd be off.

"All their players came running across, which made it worse, but we've all been in that situation. The linesman was right there as well so I knew I was in trouble.

"I was fired up for the game because we really needed to win it. But it wasn't out of frustration, I just wanted us to win so badly.

"Sometimes your heart rules your head but there are no excuses and I'll take the punishment on the chin whatever is thrown at me. It's the price you pay for one second of madness.

"I'm just sorry that I've let everyone down. I've not just disappointed myself but the players and all the supporters."

Young, who suffered a fractured shin in pre-season from a two-footed challenge, said he had "lost all respect" for Windass.

He added: "He has been around the game a long time and should know better.

"I said before the game that I thought he was the best striker in the league but my thoughts about him have changed now."

Windass was last sent off on Boxing Day 2004 against Wrexham but was banned for a month last season after a row in the Valley Parade car park with referee Darren Drysdale following the Brentford game.

He will miss three matches, starting with Friday's FA Cup tie with Millwall.

Defender Nathan Doyle has also picked up a one-game suspension for his fifth booking. The youngster is banned for next Tuesday's trip to Leyton Orient.