Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers were denied a "stonewall penalty" in the 0-0 draw against Mansfield Town at the Mem on Saturday.
After struggling against a stiff wind in the first half, the Gas surged into life after the break and enjoyed a spell of dominance until Aaron Collins appeared to be tripped by John-Joe O'Toole just after the hour.
Despite certain appeals from Barton's players and the Gasheads on the terraces, referee John Busby booked Collins for perceived simulation – a decision that perplexed the Rovers boss.
Mansfield were the division's form side ahead of the game, going unbeaten in 10 games, and they held on for a point despite being on the back foot in the second period.
Barton believes the referee's call defined the afternoon.
"It’s a stonewall penalty," he said. "We’ve watched officials Tuesday night miss a ball being three yards over the line for the opposition, so nothing that I see at this level surprises me anymore.
"I think he’s the only man in the stadium who doesn’t think that’s a penalty. I think even every person involved with Mansfield knows that’s a penalty.
"It's disappointing because it would have been a really good three points, three points I felt we deserved on the balance of play in the second half.
"I felt we were the side pushing on and really trying to win it, but in tight games against teams that are closely matched, you’re relying on – if there is a big call to be made – the ref has to get it right. If he’d have done that, we’d have won the game today.
"I’m disappointed, but it’s another point on the board and we have to dust ourselves down and go again Tuesday."
Rovers remained in 14th place in League Two and 10 points adrift of the play-off places after the draw. Mansfield occupy sixth position.
After the Collins incident, Rovers lost their head of steam with Mansfield's experience and game management skills taking the sting out of the crowd and the contest.
"For us, maybe it was that refereeing decision (affected our momentum)", Barton added. "You get a penalty there and you score to go 1-0 up – which should’ve done because it’s a stonewaller – then the fans get behind you and you push on for a second and a third goal.
"You have to give them (Mansfield) credit. They have players who know how to run the clock down with the amount of fouls they bought.
Barton said he was "puzzled" by Mr Busby's explanation of the decision at full time.
"I’ve watched the replay back and what he thinks he’s seen, he hasn’t seen because what he described to me hasn’t happened.
"What am I going to get out of it now? What’s the point? I’m sick of wasting energy shouting at officials, I’ve done enough of that on the sideline there trying to influence it.
"We’ve got to do more and take it away from the officials. We’ve got to keep pushing on and create more opportunities and take the game out of the officials’ hands.
"We’ve just got to be better."
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