McDermott critical of referee against Blackpool

Reading boss Brian McDermott has criticised the referee and his officials for their performance during yesterdays loss against Blackpool, which saw the Royals have a number of decisions go against them.

A 55th minute strike from Calum McManaman was enough to see off the Royals who had a goal ruled out for offside when Church appeared onside and Alex Pearce denied a clear penalty after being hauled down.

McDermott told the official RFC site: ”We should have been 3-0 up at half time. We had a perfectly good goal ruled out, the linesman has given it, it was an unbelievably poor decision, Churchy was about two to three yards onside.’

Reading did have the better of the first half at Bloomfield Road, having numerous chances to take the lead with Adam Le Fondre missing a fantastic chance with a free header.

‘If things had gone our way in the first half… we’ve had a nailed on penalty not given, the referee has given a foul against Alex Pearce when their guy is grabbing him around the neck! If anybody wants to look at it, it’s incredible.’