Marcus Bean, who believed Preston should have been reduced to 10 men during the first half of Saturday's 0-0 draw

MARCUS Bean could not believe that Preston winger Jeffrey Monakana was not sent off during Saturday’s opening day goalless draw at Preston.

Monakana ploughed into Mark Cousins, after the U’s keeper had safely gathered the ball inside his penalty area.

The ex-Arsenal Academy teenager looked certain to be sent off, but instead referee Philip Gibbs chose to consult with his assistant and then dish out a yellow card.

The incident happened after just 22 minutes, so a red card at that stage would have given the U’s a big advantage for three-quarters of the game.

“He (Monakana) was very apologetic afterwards, and was a bit sad, but deep down he knows that he should have been sent off,” insisted Bean, who made his U’s debut in the 0-0 stalemate.

“It was very late. Literally two or three seconds Mark Cousins had the ball, and he (Monakana) has dived in. He’s a young lad who was a bit too enthusiastic.

“I expected the red card. He should have gone off.

“Even the Preston players were saying – ‘that was nasty.’ – But the main thing is that Mark (Cousins) is all right,” added Bean.

The U’s play their first home game of the season tomorrow evening, against Portsmouth.