Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates striker Benni McCarthy has revealed his disappointment at being sent off against Maritzburg United in their PSL encounter on Wednesday night and admitted it was a turning point in the match.

McCarthy had given his side a one-nil lead before seeing red with United then finding two goals in the second half to claim a 2-1 victory.

Speaking to the club's official website the former Porto Champions League winner admitted he "did nothing wrong" despite being dismissed.

He said: "We started the game very well and were in control but we ended up losing the match. That's normal in football.

"However, having said that, I think we didn't deserve to lose. I did nothing wrong to deserve the red card.

"With due respect to my team-mates, who did exceptionally well under difficult circumstances, I think the red card broke our momentum and the fact that we played a man-down gave advantage to the opponents.

"Gazi, I saw the match later on Thursday night and I still maintain that I did nothing wrong to get the red card. I think my send off, was unjustifiable and cost us the game we could easily won.

"This is my second red card since I turned professional; my first was when I was still with FC Porto in Portugal."

McCarthy, who scored his second goal for Pirates since his return to the PSL from the English Premier League with West Ham, added that nevertheless, it was good to be back in South Africa and scoring goals.

"Of course, the feeling is good and I am happy for myself and the team because that's what I am here to do. In fact, I believe I was going to score a hat-trick against Maritzburg last night, but some people had other ideas.

"Anyway, it's a wake-up call for me. I guess this is what you get for playing for the best team in the league."