"Steve is very upset and knows he didn't act in a professional manner," said Bothroyd. He has apologised to the lads - but he's really down and distraught."
McPhail didn't speak to the media after the match which ended 2 - 2. Cardiff had taken the lead when McPhail unexplainably kicked the ball away, an offence that everyone knows will get you a yellow card. McPhail, having already been booked, was shown a second yellow and off he went.
When City played Swansea in the Carling Cup back in September McPhail was sent off then. Again for two yellow cards. In the build up to yesterday's game McPhail said
"Me being sent off in a derby game won't happen again. I need to keep my head this time and make more of an impact."
Ermm, foot in mouth.
Dave Jones rued the missed oportunity to get all three points after McPhail's dismissal
"A lack of discipline from Stephen has probably cost me three points," said Jones.
"When we took the lead we were playing the better football and in charge of the game.
"It looked like Swansea would have to send more players forward and we might have then picked them off.
"It wasn't about the occasion, it was more frustration, but you can't kick the ball away.
"It's a lack of discipline on Stephen's part. He doesn't normally do it and probably thought he was a little bit hard done by over a few free-kicks that were not given.
"The frustration boiled over in the end. That's what the atmosphere can do to you.
"We were in control at that point and that's the disappointing thing. He cost us the win and he's got to accept it.
"He will be more disappointed than everyone else.
"He knows he let us down - but it happens. Stephen is not the first person to do it and he won't be the last.
"You just hope he learns from it."