Portsmouth winger Kevin Harper was sent off for two bookable offences in a dull game of few chances at Fratton Park.

Harper was booked in the 78th minute for a clumsy challenge on Rotherham midfielder Chris Sedgwick and eight minutes later was adjudged to have dived in the Rotherham area.

Referee George Hegley had no hesitation in showing him a second yellow card followed by a red to add to Portsmouth's many disciplinary problems.

Earlier this week they were fined £10,000 by the Football Association for having eight players booked and another sent off at Sheffield United the previous Saturday.

Rotherham, with only two away wins, had no problems in containing Portsmouth's increasingly desperate attempts to break the deadlock.

New loan signing Leo Biagini, signed this week from Spanish Club Real Mallorca, was the only bright spot for the home side.

Biagini had two shots saved by Mike Pollitt in the first half and after 83 minutes had the ball in the net only for his effort to be ruled out after a foul by team-mate Peter Crouch.

Shaun Derry shot wide from only eight yards on a rare occasion when the solid Rotherham defence was breached.

Rotherham failed to muster a single shot in the first half but after the break became dangerous on the break with substitute Andy Monkhouse wasting a clear opening in the 74th minute, and eight minutes later Alan Lee had a header cleared off the line by Scott Hiley.

Portsmouth's leading scorer Crouch, who received little support, headed over in the second half from a centre by Harper but it was a rare glimmer of an opportunity for Pompey as Rotherham defenders Martin McIntosh and Chris Swailes soaked up the pressure.

Portsmouth also had Italian defender Alessandro Zamperini booked for a foul while Rotherham's Sedgwick earned a yellow card for the same offence.

Portsmouth's players were booed off by their fans at the final whistle while referee Hegley was also fiercely criticised for his controversial decision to send Harper packing at a crucial stage in the match.

Portsmouth: Beasant, Pitt (Lovell 77), Zamperini, Buxton, Vincent, O'Neil (Hiley 62), Quashie, Derry, Harper, Crouch, Biagini.

Subs Not Used: Tardif, Curtis, Pettefer.

Sent Off: Harper (87).

Booked: Zamperini, Harper.

Rotherham: Pollitt, Bryan, Swailes, McIntosh, Hurst, Sedgwick, Mullin (Richard Barker 66), Talbot, Daws, Robins (Monkhouse 60), Lee.

Subs Not Used: Gray, Branston, Warne.

Booked: Sedgwick.

Att: 13,313

Ref: G Hegley (Bishops Stortford).