Referee Darren Drysdale has apologised after locking heads with Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge during their match with Northampton on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred late in the 0-0 draw at Portman Road as Judge protested being penalised and booked for simulation in the box.
Drysdale moved his head towards the midfielder in a heated exchange and the Football Association is investigating the incident.
Drysdale issued an apology on Wednesday, saying: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
“I’m sorry that I did not do that last night and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
Judge’s yellow card was the fifth booking of the match and Ipswich’s Flynn Downes was sent off for violent conduct in the third-minute of stoppage-time in an ugly end to the contest. “
“It should have been a penalty on Judgey at the end but it is a results business,” said Ipswich boss Paul Lambert. “The aftermath of that incident needs to be looked at.”
