Play-offs: Coppell condemns Bikey's antics

Reading manager says defender's sending-off was merited and inexcusable

The Reading manager Steve Coppell admitted Andre Bikey's behaviour was inexcusable following the player's red card in the 1-0 defeat at Burnley in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Saturday.

The temperamental Cameroon defender conceded a penalty when he fouled Clarets' substitute Steve Thompson and was booked. Graham Alexander rifled home his 11th goal of the season – and 10th from the spot – and in the closing stages Bikey became involved in a tussle with Robbie Blake which saw him shown a straight red card for stamping on the Burnley striker. Bikey refused to go quietly and removed his shirt before throwing it to the ground in disgust in a remarkable show of petulance.

"The red card was fully deserved – there is no defence whatsoever," said Coppell. "We just don't accept that at our club. It was a hugely emotional reaction given the five minutes he had had. You have got to remember he was fouled first [by Blake] but there is still no excuse for his behaviour." Bikey will now miss tomorrow's decisive second leg at the Madejski Stadium.

Meanwhile, Burnley manager Owen Coyle has injury concerns after Wade Elliott missed the game and Joey Gudjonsson and Chris Eagles were substituted, having picked up knocks.

Sheffield United have injury doubts over strikers Darius Henderson and Jamie Ward, with Arturo Lupoli and Craig Beattie preparing to deputise, as they prepare to take on Preston at Bramall Lane tonight. With the tie poised at 1-1 after the first leg, Danny Webber may be recalled, David Cotterill could return from a calf problem but John-Joe O'Toole is out after rupturing ankle ligaments.

Preston's Lee Williamson is missing as he completes a three-game ban. Darren Carter should deputise again, while Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart are both still out.

The FA is to investigate crowd trouble at Saturday's League One play-off semi-final first leg between Millwall and Leeds. A number of spectators invaded the field after Neil Harris' 71st-minute winner for Millwall and the FA has confirmed it is to gather information from all concerned parties.

Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren was subjected to taunts by the Millwall fans following the goal and also had missiles thrown at him, and Scotland Yard has confirmed that one man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. "There was something thrown at me, I didn't see what it was as I turned my back on it," Ankergren said. "It's very bad for football and Millwall should be punished. It should never happen, fans should not be allowed on to the pitch."

Scunthorpe and MK Dons drew 1-1 on Friday in the first leg of the other League One semi-final.

Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson hailed his goalkeeper Luke Daniels after his inspired performance in the League Two play-off semi-final second leg at Gigg Lane yesterday earned his side a place at Wembley.

Daniels saved two penalties during a 4-3 shootout win but also kept out a Phil Jevons spot-kick in normal time and made a string of other saves to keep Bury at bay after Kevin McIntyre's 88th-minute strike forced extra-time.

The dramatic win means Shrewsbury will take part in their second play-off final in three years, facing either Gillingham or Rochdale – who met last night.