Brian Dutton: Disgraceful decision cost Walsall

Winning the game 1-0 and deep into extra time Liam Roberts came out to punch away a cross and after making contact with the ball he also clattered into Jordan Tunnicliffe.

Referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot and Tom Nichols netted.

Speaking after the game Dutton was furious with the ‘sub-par’ referees that have cost his team in recent weeks.

“There’s an old saying in football, it’s better to be a lucky manager than a good manager,” Dutton said.

“I’ve never believed that but I am starting to believe it.

“We’re on the back of a subjective red card at Stevenage when we’re 1-0 up ready to win the game. Newport scored and won 1-0 and that’s offside.

“We have a stonewall penalty on Josh Gordon in the Bradford game, we don’t get that.

“We have a stonewall penalty on Max Melbourne against Cambridge, two yards in the box, and we don’t get that.

“Tonight, Josh Gordon has gone through and we’ve won a penalty. Someone will have to explain the rules to me but I thought if he’s not trying to play the ball it’s a red card, if he’s trying to play the ball it’s a yellow card. He stays on the pitch.

“Then, in the last kick of the game we get stiffed again with a terrible, terrible, disgraceful decision.

“It’s heartbreaking for the lads, I feel for them. To give me so much out there, put everything on the line and be let down by sub-par referees at best. It’s heartbreaking.

“If the rule has been updated and keeper’s have to win the ball 100 per cent cleanly without any contact then I shall get on the phone with the referee and apologise.

“For me a goalkeeper is well within his rights to come claim or punch the ball.

“If people get in his way while he’s doing so, that’s never been a free-kick as long as he wins the ball first.

“The first thing the referee said to me when I asked him the question on why he gave it, he said because he took the man first.

“I’ve watched the video and he’s clearly taken the ball first.”