Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has called for greater consistency from officials in clamping down on penalty-box “grappling”.

The Blues manager felt a number of such incidents went unpunished during the 0-0 draw with Walsall on Saturday.

And other recent games have highlighted the difference in approach from referees to moments when players tussle in the box.

United’s latest game saw ref Ollie Yates repeatedly speak to players before corner kicks were taken.

By contrast, Carlisle were awarded a penalty at Tranmere last month by official Carl Boyeson when Jack Stretton was impeded in the box.

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Simpson said the latter highlighted the way referees should allow play to unfold – and punish fouls when they happen.

He added that Carlisle have made a point of not getting involved in such skirmishes themselves, only to find themselves frustrated in games such as the Saddlers stalemate.

United had 11 corners against Walsall, and Simpson said: “The delivery from them was good, and we’ve tried to make the runs, but they [Walsall] have blocked and got their arms on players.

News and Star: United couldn't take advantage of a series of corners against WalsallUnited couldn't take advantage of a series of corners against Walsall (Image: Ben Holmes)

“I’ve got to say it’s a really frustrating part of the game for me, the way referees stop the game when there’s grappling going on and players getting fouled…they stop the game to warn them.

“I keep asking why don’t they just let the delivery come in and give a penalty? Because it will stop it.

“But they don’t. Looking at it on Saturday, we’ve had those deliveries that went in and we had two players getting round the far post who have been blocked.

“If you want to be cynical you can blame referees, or on the other hand you can compliment Walsall from the way they defended and stopped our players getting a tap-in.”

Simpson stressed that he did not blame the referee for United’s failure to turn a draw into a victory.

But he admitted that this aspect of the game still “infuriated him”.

“There’s just that lack of consistency about it,” he added.

“We’re making a conscious effort to make sure we don’t get involved in that sort of thing when we’re in attacking areas because we keep being told they’re both at it, and when they are both at it, the referee doesn’t give anything.”