Carlisle United boss brands referee 'homer' in Bradford City defeat

The Blues boss branded the official a “homer” who was easily swayed in the Bantams’ favour.

Simpson felt Carlisle were denied a “stonewall” penalty early in the game, while he felt striker Joe Garner was “battered”.

He also believed the Cumbrians did not benefit from any 50-50 calls across the play-off semi-final first leg at a packed Valley Parade.

“I just hope the referee’s a homer when we’re playing at Brunton Park next Saturday, because I thought he was [here].

“I don't think that's the reason that we've lost the game 1-0, but there were so many decisions that he has given in their favour and he's not giving us anything.

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“That's really frustrating because I think this guy's a good referee. On [this] performance, I thought he was good for the home team, but not for us.”

Simpson felt Joe Garner - who was also booked - was battered without protection from the referee (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson said he hoped for an official who was “fair for both sides” in the second leg, a game which will be refereed by Simon Mather.

United’s manager added: “I thought [Joe Garner] got absolutely battered off the ball, probably four or five times, and I just cannot believe how the referee didn't give any of those.

“I haven't seen it back, [but] it looks a stonewall penalty on Alfie McCalmont in the first half. I don't know what happened there.

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“I just don't think we got the rub of the green off a referee who was very, very home sided today.

“It wasn’t over one individual thing – lots and lots of 50-50 things, and even maybe even more than 50-50 in our favour. And he went he went with the home side.

“And that's hugely disappointing because I think the guy’s a really good referee.

“At no point am I saying he's cheating us, but I don't think he was fair. As simple as that.

"And that's hugely disappointing cause the PGMOL [refereeing body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited] select referees who are strong enough to deal with these games. And I think he [Joyce] has been easily swayed.”