James McFadden insists he did not call referee Graham Poll 'a cheat'.
James McFadden insists he did not call referee Graham Poll 'a cheat'.
The Everton striker was sent off by Poll during Wednesday night's 1-0 Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal at Goodison Park.
McFadden was dismissed on 18 minutes after complaining to Poll about his failure to award a penalty when Andy Johnson tumbled over in the box.
TV evidence indicates Poll later told Everton players that the Scotland international was shown the red card for calling him a cheat.
But McFadden has refuted the claims, saying he only swore at the official and did not question his integrity.
"The ref didn't make the decision in the instant before it," said McFadden.
"As I was running back I swore at him and I have been sent off for it.
"I ran past the referee and turned and said, 'That was f****** s****'.
"I did not call him a cheat."
