Jason Scotland admits the reaction of Leeds United's players could have played a part in Ferrie Bodde's dismissal on Saturday.The Trinidad & Tobago striker (left) believes the party of Leeds shirts that surrounded referee Andre Marriner following Bodde's foul on Jonathan Howson helped the official make his mind up.
While Howson was still on the floor following the challenge, Leeds players protested around Marriner. He then showed Bodde the red card and the Dutchman fell to the floor in disgust, before heading down the tunnel.
''I didn't see the tackle,'' admitted Scotland. ''But probably the reaction of the Leeds players maybe helped the referee send Ferrie off.
''To be fair, all referees get intimidated when they are surrounded by players. When they surround the referee like that they can make his mind up.
''Some of our boys have said it was a yellow card, but not red.''
Away from the incident, Scotland certainly played his part in maintaining Swansea's position at the top of League One. He worked tirelessly up front and proved a handful to the Leeds defence, notching Swansea's all important third goal.
And the former St Johnstone forward admits it is important Swansea keep their heads down and work hard in 2008.
''It can't get much better than this,'' he said. ''We are top of the league and five points clear.
''But we have not done anything yet. We have to keep doing what we are doing and work hard.
''It's only Christmas and there is a lot of hard work to come.''
Scotland has adapted well to his lone striker role. Utilised as the sole front man in Roberto Martinez's 4-3-2-1 formation, Scotland has been part of a Swansea side that has resolved its problems on home soil.
With Paul Anderson and Andy Robinson supplying support, the tactic has paid dividends so far.
And Scotland, who scored his 12th goal of the campaign, admits he is starting to warm to the role.
''I am enjoying it,'' he said. ''I have played it many times for the national team.
''I understand why we do it. Teams come here and try to make it difficult for us - they pack the midfield and use one up front.
''Our system is very flexible and we have players to change the system if needed.
''It has worked very well in the last five or so matches, so why change it now?''
And what of the goal? Scotland's strike was crucial in the game. After beating Matt Heath to Anderson's long clearance just inside the Leeds half, Scotland outpaced Rui Marques and raced 30 yards before slotting home past Casper Ankergren.
''The boys were wondering where that turn of pace came from,'' Scotland joked. ''But I was very pleased with it. I just managed to beat the first guy to the ball and then went past the next one. I thought I may have taken a touch too many as I got to the keeper but I just managed to beat him.''