Leyton Orient boss Mauro Milanese was adamant the decision to dismiss Chris Dagnall in the 3-1 defeat at Bradford City was the wrong one and said the red card undid all the O’s good work at Valley Parade.

Billy Knott put the hosts into a first half lead but Orient hit back in the second period and levelled through David Mooney.

Less than two minutes after equalising, Dagnall was dismissed for a lunging challenge on Knott.

The Bantams took full advantage and struck twice in the final 14 minutes to win the game.

Billy Clarke fired into the roof of the net from close range before an error from Adam Legzdins allowed Jon Stead to secure victory for the hosts.

When asked about Dagnall’s dismissal, Milanese replied: “It was a yellow card, no red. I am not just defending one of my players but had possession and lost it. He tried to win the ball back and was a little bit late, nothing more. It was a yellow card.”

The O’s boss said the club would look to appeal the decision and then added: “That is not the important thing right now, the important thing was the result. The lads stayed in the game and the red card decision then made it difficult for us to go on and win the match.”

Bradford had numerous chances in the opening period and Milanese accepted Orient struggled to contain the hosts in the first half.

He said: “It was a difficult game. When we played on the floor we did well but it was difficult to play against a solid team. They play quiet direct and win a lot of the second balls, they pushed us back by doing that.

“In the second half we were good and were dominant for a spell. We drew level and then the expectation is we can go on and win the game.

“But things then went in a particular way, which seems to always be the case in this particular season.”