Speaking following the game, manager Elliott Sandy told BBC Radio Northampton that the actions of the pair had cost Diamonds the game.
“They let themselves down, they let the team down, they let the club down,” he said.
“Apologies to the fans who travelled and credit to the boys who gave absolutely everything for 70 minutes, down to nine men, ran themselves into the ground on a big pitch, on a hot day, against a team who move the ball.”
On Andrade and Winters, he added: “I know they are bitterly disappointed themselves, really upset with the situation, but it’s not good enough. We’ll deal with that internally.”
Both players joined Diamonds last summer, 32-year-old Andrade on dual registration from Bedford Town, external and Winters, 20, from Peterborough Sports.
Portugal-born Andrade has extensive experience in the game, his previous clubs including Queens Park Rangers, for whom he made his EFL debut in 2010, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Lincoln City and Salford City.
Winters, meanwhile, made a name for himself on TV, playing for Yanited FC in the first season of Baller League – a televised six-a-side tournament in which a mixture of former and current professional players, celebrities and influencers compete in 30-minute matches.
Both players took to social media to express regret for the incident at Loughborough.
“To the Fans, staff, players I want to thank you for an incredible season and your support has been unbelievable things happen. I tried to remove myself from the situation long before the red but got told to carry on. I wish you the best for the rest of the season,” Winters posted on X., external
“I want thank everyone from the bottom of my heart to everyone associated with the club from top to bottom for everything. Especially the fans that took me in and made me feel at home. The support and love was always acknowledged. I’m grateful. Sorry its ended this way,” said Andrade., external
The match result left Rushden & Diamonds ninth in the table, external, five points outside the play-off places with seven games remaining.
They play their next game on Tuesday, at home to Belper Town.
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