Sean McConville has apologised to his teammates and the Stanley fans for his sending off against Fleetwood as the Reds lost 2-0 at Highbury Stadium.
Stanley were trailing to goals from Paddy Madden and a Ched Evans disputed penalty when Evans and McConville got caught up in an altercation near the dug-outs in the 74th minute.
Manager John Coleman was furious as he felt both should have seen red – but referee Peter Wright only showed it to McConville who will now miss three games.
The winger was disappointed with himself, with the 30-year-old last being sent off in December 2016 at Leyton Orient, as the last man.
“I want to apologise to the fans who travelled to Fleetwood, my reactions were built out of frustration,” said McConville.
“Ched Evans has caught me in the face first of all, he has grabbed me in the face. If I react how he reacts when I catch him in the face, then he gets sent off and I stay on the pitch.
“Nine times out of ten, I wouldn't react like I did but on this occasion I did.
“I am not trying to defend myself as my reactions are poor from an experienced player like myself. I shouldn’t be getting sent off like that.
“At 2-0 down, we weren’t playing great, I was frustrated. There was nothing in the game but I felt we had a lack of urgency and energy and we served up a first half performance which wasn’t acceptable.
“We had a bit of a go in the second half but we have to improve massively all over the pitch.
“The penalty has killed us, it was never a penalty. It seems like things aren’t going our way at the moment and the only way to get out of the rut is to keep working harder.
“I will miss three games, I love playing games and hate missing them. I am not the best watcher but I will work doubly hard in training, keep myself fit and I know I will be in tip top condition to play again to help the lads. I want to apologise to everyone again.”