ASTON VILLA manager John Gregory could be in more trouble with the Football Association after it emerged that he had been banished from the dug-out for a verbal bustup with referee's assistant Ray Gould during yesterday's defeat against Liverpool.

Gregory was given his marching orders in the 42nd minute but only officially found out at halftime that he had to watch the second 45 minutes from the stands.

Gregory was upset with Gould for flagging for a penalty against George Boateng when Steven Gerrard went down under the Dutchman's challenge.

He then angrily confronted Gould over an offside decision and referee Andy D'Urso stepped in to order him from the dug-out.

Two years ago Gregory was hit by a touchline ban after a bust-up with D'Urso when he was acting as fourth official in a Premiership game with Leicester City at Filbert Street.

Gregory confirmed: "I was sent off. I presume it was for questioning the linesman that was in front of the dug-out.

"I didn't know whether Andy D'Urso was trying to calm things down by saying 'go back to the stand' and I watched the last three or four minutes of the first half from the tunnel.

"But when I asked at half-time if I had been banished from the touchline he said 'yes'.

"I could possibly be in more trouble now. !

"I must have touched a nerve with the linesman because he took umbrage at comments which no doubt I will be reported for.

"I'm not particularly proud of them but I said what I thought and I thought I was 100% correct.

"I was amazed that the referee's assistant, from 15 to 20 yards away, was able to give the penalty rather than the referee who appeared to be a lot closer to the situation.

"Then there was an offside that I was unhappy with. I think the referee's assistant realised that he made two gross errors and as always when someone questions your judgement you use your power."

D'Urso had also unintentionally gifted Liverpool their first goal when a clearance from Peter Schmeichel had rebounded into the path of striker Jari Litmanen who was left with a gaping goal.

Gregory said: "You can't legislate for a goal like that. It was a bit of a freak effort and Litmanen will never get an easier opportunity to score.

"It was a freak effort and I thought we deserved something from the game. It is difficult to accept that we have ended up with nothing."