Lee Bowyer said he understood Tariqe Fosu's frustration - but also warned him - after he was sent off during Charlton's late win at Southend United.

The substitute was among three dismissed – alongside Michael Kightly and Mark Oxley – leaving the hosts with nine men to the Addicks' 10 following a brawl in injury time.

Lyle Taylor opened the scoring after a goalless first-half, with former Millwall striker Theo Robinson responding, before Krystian Bielik hit the decisive winner late on.

Bowyer said: “I said to Tariqe, ‘I understand you are frustrated but you have to try and not react the way you did’.

“Listen, I know what it is like being on the pitch and reacting in ways that you shouldn’t but he’ll learn from it.

“He’s made a mistake and he’ll learn from it, but it’s definitely going to be a big miss because we’ve only just got him back and that’s what hurt me the most.”

Fosu returned to the fold alongside skipper Jason Pearce and Igor Vetokele in the League One clash at Roots Hall after injury layoffs.

Bowyer also spoke about the signings he brought in over the summer, with Jamie Ward who has joined the club sitting in the stands during the match.

He added: “I’m very happy with the players we brought in. We’ve got another game on Saturday and I think we lose a couple for that because they’re on international duty, but I’m definitely happy with what I’ve seen today and looking forward to next weekend.”

Charlton will resume League One action against Wycombe Wanderers at the Valley.