Torquay United boss Paul Wotton believes his side were denied a “stonewall penalty” as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Maidenhead United on Saturday.
The Gulls went into half-time a goal up thanks to a well-taken strike from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
But they were pegged back after the break by Josh Umera’s pinpoint free-kick, meaning they missed the opportunity to go back to the top of National League South on goal difference, now two points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers.
However, the game’s controversial incident came with 20 minutes remaining when Torquay’s Louis Dennis went down in the Maidenhead area under a challenge by Remy Clerima but referee Said Ouchene decided to book Dennis for simulation instead of pointing to the penalty spot.
Wotton – who was named National League South manager of the month for January last week – was also booked for his protestations from the touchline.
“Stonewall penalty, I can’t believe it,” Wotton told BBC Radio Devon after the match.
“There’s not a player in the world that would go down because he’s one-on-one with the goalie.
“99 out of 100 referees give that but it isn’t going to change now. I’ve gone in to ask him why he’s booked me and it’s for my language, and it’s just false.
“You’ve just got to be careful what you say haven’t you. I’ve spoken to the ref [after the game], he’s got a completely different opinion of it to me.
“What’s the point? What’s going to change now? Nothing.”
