Mcshane was dismissed by referee Rob Styles late in the game at the Emirates Stadium for a bad challenge on Alexander Hleb.

But fellow Sunderland star Jones leapt to the defence of the Republic of Ireland international after a pulsating game from which the visitors very nearly returned with an unlikely point.

He spoke to the Press Association and said: "It wasn't intentional. Paul McShane is not one to come in and do something like that.

"I think it probably was a bit harsh, the sending-off, because the player was already on the floor before he even came into him.

"What can you do? We could appeal, but it's already happened.

"The decision-making was inconsistent. We had a few decisions that went against us.

"At the same time, cards were dealt out to us and when it was the other way around, they just had a slap on the wrist.

"But that's what happens when you come to these kind of matches.

"It is hard to take that, but it happens. We see it year after year. It is not up to players to change that. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about that."