Bolton's League One clash with Forest Green was marred by farcical scenes on Tuesday night after the referee sent off the wrong player.

Wanderers found themselves a goal up after just six minutes with Bolton's No 10 Dion Charles tucking away a Gethin Jones cross in what was a perfect start for the hosts.

But goalscorer Charles soon found himself to be the victim of mistaken identity when he was shown a straight red card in the 28th minute by referee Tom Nield.

Charles, understandably, was left utterly bemused by the sending-off while the majority of the Bolton University Stadium was left confused as to what had happened until replays of an off-the-ball tussle painted a clear picture.

Moments before Charles' sending off, his team-mate Elias Kachunga, who wears No 24, was caught by the cameras appearing to throw a punch at Rovers defender Brandon Cooper.

Play stopped soon after which allowed Nield to discuss with his linesman what they had – or hadn't – seen.

Comically, the League One official identified Charles as the guilty party, who was drinking some water by the side of the pitch when he was given his marching orders.

Bolton's official Twitter account questioned the decision during their live blog.

The club's admin tweeted: 'Dion Charles has been sent off. Some confusion around the ground, we're not sure what's happened there!?'

Sky Sports legendary commentator Chris Kamara saw the funny side of the sending-off, claiming Bolton was 'bringing a sub on' about his iconic and hilarious gaffe while live on air.

While Kamara saw the funny side, Bolton manager Ian Evatt was left utterly stunned by the decision.

He said: 'We cannot deny that Elias has let everybody down, showing that lack of discipline is not acceptable and he's apologized to the group.

Despite being a man down for over an hour, the 10 men of Bolton held on to stay three points behind fourth-placed Derby, who scored twice in the final three minutes to beat Port Vale 2-1.