Leiston stopper Ashlee Jones cut a frustrated and disappointed figure in the Leiston clubhouse after the final whistle.
The former Lowestoft Town goalkeeper received a controversial 25th-minute red card on Saturday as the Blues bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Gloucester, losing 3-1.
A game-changing decision, Gloucester duly scored the resultant penalty kick to go 1-0 up and Jones could not hide his annoyance.
“It’s never a red to be honest,” said the ‘keeper.
“I don’t think it was even a penalty.
“He’s (Gloucester winger Joe Hanks) had a shot, and his momentum has taken him into me.
“He’s missed the shot so it makes no sense.
“The referee has obviously made a mistake, and everyone makes mistakes.
“It is a big deal because we’re out of the FA Cup and it is what it is.”
Leiston player-assistant Stuart Boardley, the Blues sole goalscorer and man-of-the-match on the day, backed-up his goalkeeper’s views adding: “I think it’s a very debatable one.
“I think you could give a penalty. It’s one of those that’s a 50-50 penalty, but in no way on earth was it a red card.
“The lad had a shot, he’s then collided with Ashlee after the ball, and you can’t give red cards for those sorts of things.”
Boardley continued: “The referee even admitted afterwards that it was probably a yellow card.
“It clearly wasn’t a goalscoring opportunity and to be fair, I think the decision cost us the game.”
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Leiston performed well in front of a big crowd (329) at Victory Road, but couldn’t spring a surprise.
“We had some good chances and I thought in terms of chances – it was a fairly balanced game,” added Boardley.
“We’re pleased with the lads, we can’t fault their effort and endeavour, it was just one of those days.”
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