SEAN Morrison’s one-month loan spell at Southend began in disastrous circumstances on Saturday.

Lining up for his new side in their away League One fixture with Yeovil Town at Huish Park, Morrison was only part of the action for 34 minutes before he was dismissed for a professional foul on Gloverman John Obika.

It means that the teenage centre-back, who was sent out temporarily by Town boss Danny Wilson to get first-team experience under his belt, will not be available for the Shrimpers’ clash with MK Dons.

Southend were unhappy with the dismissal, believing that referee Dave Philips was wrong to suggest that Morrison was the last line of defence at the time of the incident.

Speaking after the game, Roots Hall boss Steve Tilson said: “I haven’t seen the DVD but it looks like Adam Barrett’s covering and it didn’t look like a sending off.

“The referee has told Sean four times that it’s just a yellow card and then, all of a sudden when he’s called him over to him, it’s a red card.

“That decision has cost us. It was a match where the officials have ruined the game.”

Southend went on to lose 1-0, a far from ideal introduction to his new club for Morrison, who will be looking to prove himself to the Robins management over the course of the next month.

The defender has not figured in Wilson’s first-team starting eleven since the 1-1 draw at Walsall in mid-September when his mistake gifted a goal to Swindon’s opponents.

And, with both Scott Cuthbert and Gordon Greer forming a solid partnership in recent weeks, the opportunity looked beneficial for all three parties.

But, after the events of the weekend, it would appear that Morrison has hardly boosted his chances of impressing his manager.