Mick McCarthy insisted his ‘sending off’ at half-time at Preston was for the support he had shown the referee.

The Wolves boss was sent to the stands for applauding referee Martin Atkinson as the teams went off at the break, when Preston fans were incensed at the official’s refusal to award two efforts to the home side because of offside.

McCarthy said: “Martin asked me to go and sit in the stand for the second half. We had a polite and cordial conversation and he knew why I was applauding, but maybe it was because of the way the crowd responded to me.

“If it was down to inciting the crowd and if I did anything wrong then I apologise.

“I was just trying to show my support for him, because I thought he’d done well in the first half.

“It’s not easy to give decisions when the crowd is frustrated and putting pressure on you.  wanted to show my appreciation for him because there was a chance of becoming intimidated.

“They’d had the shout for handball but both (Preston boss) Alan (Irvine) and I thought there was a foul on the keeper beforehand. Then there was the one disallowed for offside.

“The atmosphere became quiet electric. I could sense the Preston fans were getting frustrated and taking it out on the referee, but that had nothing to do with him.

“It was because we had played exceptionally well and were 1-0 in front. Then there were a few decisions they didn’t like and it all got a bit unnecessary.

“I’ll just have to wait for his report, but I must be the first person ever asked to sit in the stand for applauding a referee, so maybe I won’t do it again!

“I don’t actually think Martin had a bad game in general, so I didn’t ‘cane’ him. It was a really difficult game for him – top versus third, both unbeaten, a tough game.

“I’m sure I’ll be asked to explain myself and if I am, I’ll do it as eloquently as I did on Saturday.”

McCarthy insisted he was anything but intimidated by the crowd.

He said: “When you’ve played for and managed a team in Turkey or a World Cup qualifier in Iran, trust me, you don’t get intimidated by a place like Preston.”

McCarthy believed the result was fair as Wolves’ pressure and greater number of chances was rewarded.

He added: “Results always don’t tell the story but I think that one does. It was great to win as we did, against a team third in the league and unbeaten.

“It’s just a shame there are now other things being talked about. It was a fabulous result and true football fans will realise what a good game it was – and indeed a section of Preston supporters applauded us off.

“I’ve always got on well with Preston fans – I think they’re terrific fans who come and support their team. There is also a great history to the club.

“They’re frustrated with me because we’re playing really well so great, I hope Bristol City feel the same next week and so on.

“I have no complaints about anyone here – it’s a fantastic stadium and the pitch is beautiful.

“Don’t let anyone think I’m whingeing, because Preston play football the right way and Alan is a great guy who calls it as he sees it.

“He knows we deserved to win and has said so.”