Paul Simpson: Carlisle United's Jamie Devitt was punched at Walsall

There was a major bust-up shortly after the final whistle in Carlisle’s 2-1 FA Cup second round defeat at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Simpson said that, in the melee, Devitt – an unused substitute in the game – was struck in the face.

He said he did not know who had punched his player.

United’s boss also said Walsall boss Michael Flynn had apologised for the behaviour of some of his players after the game, saying he was unhappy with how they had banged on Carlisle's dressing room door in their celebrations.

Speaking about the melee, Simpson said: “Hayden White [the Walsall defender] was causing a problem with Jon Mellish over on the far side, that’s the first thing I saw, but we sorted that and everybody was walking off.

“I’m told that [Walsall sub Jack] Earing was winding up our fans and Jamie Devitt said to him, ‘Look, you’ve won the game, just get off the pitch’.

“Dev said he doesn’t know what happened after that but somebody came and sort of rag-dolled him, then belted him.

“He hasn’t got a clue who it was, and then unfortunately all hell broke loose after that.

“I don’t know what else has gone on. All I know is that Jamie Devitt has a black eye.”

Asked if he expected the incident to be investigated, Simpson added: “I don’t know whether they’ve got CCTV over there. I don’st think it’s right for players to wind up opposition fans, I think that’s wrong, it’s something that’s disrespectful – I don’t think it’s the right way to win in the right way in my opinion.

“We have to deal with that. It looks as if it’s a bit of anger and sour grapes [after we lost] but all I know is there’s only one player that’s got a black eye and that’s Jamie Devitt.”

Simpson felt other post-match actions of some Walsall players were uncalled for.

“I didn’t think there was any need for it – they’d won the game but they haven’t won with respect in my opinion,” he said.

“There were some stupid things getting shouted down the corridor and to be fair to Michael Flynn he’s brought a couple of players to apologise for it.

“I don’t believe that’s the right way to go about things, and I think they were disrespectful at the end of the game.”

Walsall's Jack Earing, left, gestures to the Carlisle fans as Jamie Devitt, centre, looks on (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Simpson was critical of referee Scott Oldham’s handling of the incident and the game in general.

“The referee was stood there but he didn’t seem to have a clue what was going on for the whole of the afternoon,” United’s manager said.

Simpson said his comments on the post-match scenes should not be interpreted as sour grapes, and said Walsall deserved to win the game because of the way they finished it.

Walsall boss Flynn, speaking to the BBC after the game, confirmed he had asked some of his players to apologise to Carlisle.

“A couple of our players knocked on their door after the game, over-celebrating, and I’ve made them apologise to Paul and to the players.

“They’ve held their hands up. I’m somebody who wants to win in the right way, be respectful. Carlisle have still got to come here again, and I didn’t want there to be any bad blood.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Paul, and I know Paul Gerrard and a couple of their players.

“We’ve got to be respectful. I would say the FA Cup excitement got the better of them but it won’t happen again.

“This was when we were inside. It was a few handbags on the pitch, which you’ve all seen, but we try and do things the right way.”

Simpson, meanwhile, also reserved highly critical comments for fourth official Neil Pratt.

“The fourth official spoke to our staff with a total lack of respect,” Simpson said.

“I’ve got real respect for officials, a massive amount of respect. I know it’s a really tough job.

“The fourth official today was a disgrace the way he spoke to our staff. I don’t like that.

“I do respect them, but I don’t think he’s shown any respect for us.

“I don’t know his name, don’t know who he is. His behaviour was totally unacceptable.

“I know for a fact the referee heard it, he’s told a member of staff he heard it and it wasn’t right. I hope something gets done about it.”