Jon Whitney issues apology to Walsall fans after defeat at relegated Coventry

A poor first half performance at the Ricoh Arena saw the Saddlers fall behind to George Thomas' ninth goal of the campaign.

Whitney's men rallied after the interval with Eoghan O'Connell – who was later sent off - having an effort cleared off the line and Amadou Bakayoko going close.

But in the end they were made to pay for their lacklustre first-half display with Whitney far from pleased with his players.

"The first 45 minutes was way below par," the boss said.

"It had an end of season feel to it and we have done everything we could to prevent that.

"You can't be that far below the standards we set and expect to get something from the game.

"I would like to apologise to the travelling fans. That first half performance was not acceptable.

"I apologise. Second half I thought we gave it a go. We huffed and we puffed but we didn't create any real clear chances.

"But it's the first half from me that was really disappointing. We were lacklustre and I've told the players that.

"People say you have nothing to play for but it's still a defeat on my record. The fans can accept players giving everything they can. What they cannot accept is that first-half performance."

O'Connell was dismissed midway through the second half after a late challenge on Thomas.

But his first card arrived after he took a free-kick too quickly for referee Darren Drysdale.

And Whitney felt the Celtic loanee didn't deserve his dismissal.

"I thought it was a bit harsh- to get two booking for that," the boss added.

"The first he has taken a quick free-kick. But he said he didn't hear anything, he has just taken it and got punished for it which I find really strange.

"Then the second he has hung a leg out but for me it is not a sending off. It just needs a bit of common sense and a stern word with him.

"You want to keep players on the pitch. I can understand tackles for dangerous challenges but not for that. I think that is harsh."