West Ham 2 Swansea 0: Sam Allardyce blasts Chico Flores for 'over-exaggerating' clash that saw Andy Carroll sent off

Carroll had set-up both of Kevin Nolan's goals but was shown a straight red when he appeared to brush Chico when the two clashed

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce accused Swansea defender Chico Flores of “over-exaggerating” the impact of an aerial clash that led to Hammers striker Andy Carroll's dismissal at Upton Park on Saturday.

The former Newcastle striker set two goals up for Kevin Nolan in the 2-0 Premier League win before being shown a red card by referee Howard Webb as he appeared to brush Flores with his elbow midway through the second half.

Allardyce was unconvinced Webb had had an unobstructed view of the incident, and bemoaned what he saw as play-acting from Swansea's Spanish centre-back.

He told BT Sport: "I've just had a look at it and from our point of view I can't see why Howard has decided to give him a red card.

"His arm's gone over the top of his head and while his arm's swinging round, coming from a position where both players have tangled and are coming round to correct their balance, there were players running round to obscure his (Webb's) view.

"So he can't be absolutely certain of what's happened, except that Chico Flores is over-exaggerating, which is generally the norm for him unfortunately.

"To clutch his face and roll around, I think that's had a big influence on Howard's decision, thinking that it's caught him in the face when it hasn't at all."

Allardyce later confirmed West Ham would appeal against the dismissal.

From his own position in the Swansea dugout, visiting boss Michael Laudrup did not think the challenge merited what he described as a "harsh" red card.

"I think there's contact but, to be fair, from the bench I didn't think there was enough for a red card," said the Dane.

"Sometimes when there's contact... and Carroll is a big boy... but I don't really think it was a red card this time.

"If (Flores) is over-reacting, yes or no, that's not really the thing. The thing is what the referee has seen and again, he gave the red card and must have seen (enough for) that.

"But from the bench I thought the decision was a little harsh."

It was a sixth defeat in eight league outings for the Swans, who are now only two points better off than West Ham in the Premier League table.

PA