Former Norwich City player James Maddison has defended the decision of the referee to give him a yellow card during Leicester's match against Burnley.

Eastern Daily Press: Leicester City's James Maddison celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game and reveals a t-shirt that reads 'RIP Sophie I Love You' before being booked by match referee Michael Oliver (left) for removing his shirt during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.Leicester City's James Maddison celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game and reveals a t-shirt that reads 'RIP Sophie I Love You' before being booked by match referee Michael Oliver (left) for removing his shirt during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. (Image: PA Wire)

Former Norwich City player James Maddison has defended the decision of the referee to give him a yellow card during Leicester's match against Burnley.

It comes after the attacking midfielder removed his shirt after scoring for his team in Saturday's match and revealed a t-shirt paying tribute to city girl Sophie Taylor.

The t-shirt read 'RIP Sophie I love you' underneath.

Maddison became five-year-old Sophie's 'best friend' as she battled cancer and was left heartbroken by her death in January .

Maddison first struck up a friendship with Sophie after she was a mascot for Norwich City and the player has kept in touch with the family.

He visited the Sprowston youngster in a hospice in her final days and after her death posted the pictures to thousands of followers on Instagram and Twitter with a message saying 'Rest In Peace my little Angel. I love you always & forever.'

Following Saturday's heartfelt tribute to the youngster, Maddison was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt, as per Fifa rules, but referee Michael Oliver then gave him a pat on the back afterwards.

Maddison later took to Twitter to defend Oliver. He posted: 'Regarding tweets about Michael Oliver, he's just doing his job and didn't have a choice. He didn't enjoy showing me a yellow and shared his condolences about the passing of Sophie which I thought was very respectful.'

Eastern Daily Press: James Maddison carries Sophie Taylor on Saturday, April 7. Photo: Jasonpix/NCFCJames Maddison carries Sophie Taylor on Saturday, April 7. Photo: Jasonpix/NCFC (Image: Jasonpix/NCFC)

Maddison was also a pallbearer at Sophie's funeral and gave a reading at St Faith's Crematorium on February 13.

Sophie's family are fundraising to help other families in her memory.

Eastern Daily Press: Sophie Taylor passed away on January 18, one year after being diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Alex TaylorSophie Taylor passed away on January 18, one year after being diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Alex Taylor (Image: Archant)