KENWYNE Jones has defended team-mate Paul McShane following the Sunderland defender's 90th-minute dismissal in Sunday's 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.

McShane has been banned for three matches after referee Rob Styles showed him a straight red for a mis-timed challenge on Alexander Hleb that saw his studs thud into the Arsenal midfielder's groin.

Kolo Toure has accused McShane of intentionally setting out to injure his opponent, but Jones insists the Black Cats centre-half was guilty of nothing more serious than over-exuberance.

"I do not think it was intentional," said Jones.

"Paul McShane is not one to come in and do something like that. I think it was probably a bit harsh to send him off because the player was already on the floor before he even came in to him.

"I thought a lot of the decision making was inconsistent. We had a few decisions that went against us. Cards were being dealt out to us but, when it was the other way around, they were basically getting a slap on the wrist.

"Unfortunately, that's what happens when you go to those type of places."