CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe felt luckless winger Max Gradel had been the victim of a “bizarre” suspension.

Gradel was forced to sit out Cherries’ pre-season friendly at Portsmouth on Saturday having been sent off during the 4-0 win against Minnesota United.

The Ivorian and Minnesota defender Damion Lowe both saw red following an altercation during the closing stages of the clash which came at the end of the club’s training camp in America.

Gradel, who spent a large chunk of last season sidelined by a serious knee injury, reacted angrily after he had been caught by a couple of robust challenges from Lowe.

News of his one-match ban was received by Cherries late on Friday, preventing Gradel from featuring in the 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Boss Howe told the Daily Echo: “A couple of challenges went in from their centre-half who was very competitive and wanted to win.

“Max felt one or two were a little over the top, he went to speak to him and there was a coming-together.

“I don’t think Max did anything wrong. I think he was very much a peace-maker but he got red carded for being there.

“I think there had to be a level of understanding from the referee that it was a pre-season friendly. Nobody wants to see red cards brandished about, especially when they are not really deserved.

“I think the defender was just a little over-exuberant and wanted to show he was a good player. I didn’t think the red cards were justified for either player and it was bizarre for Max to have been suspended against Portsmouth.”

Gradel will return to action either against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Friday or against Cardiff at Vitality Stadium on Saturday with Howe planning to field first teams in both fixtures.