SPORTING a cut and a lump above an eye from a challenge in midweek that went unpunished, Blues defender Jason De Vos last night questioned why Ipswich seem to be on the wrong end of decisions just lately.

By Derek Davis

SPORTING a cut and a lump above an eye from a challenge in midweek that went unpunished, Blues defender Jason De Vos last night questioned why Ipswich seem to be on the wrong end of decisions just lately.

The Canadian centre half was furious in what he saw as the iniquitous fashion Leicestershire official Kevin Friend refereed the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, just days after a controversial night at Preston involving Eddie Ilderton.

De Vos said: “The referee said it (the red card) was for a gesture to one of his assistants but Ricardo insists it was towards fans who were abusing him.

“That was not the first thing that the referee got wrong. I don't know what we have done to upset referees but it seems to be the fashion now to send off our players.

“I said to the referee that our two strikers had been kicked up and down the park all day without one call going their way yet as soon as we look at their strikers they fall over and get a free kick. There appeared to be no parity in the game and there seems to be unbelievable bias towards the teams we are playing at the moment.”

Despite feeling as if they were up against the world and his dog, Town earned a draw at Selhurst Park with some good football and blooded two new players, with Chris Casement and Vemund Brekke Skard making their debuts.

De Vos said: “We played some really good stuff on an appalling pitch. Our lads showed some great character to come from behind twice and get a point from a team in the play-off places.

“It was a big learning experience as well with Chris and Vemund coming in and making their debuts. We also have an 18-year-old keeper who can stand on his head. The save he made at the end of the match was world class. Shane doesn't always get the credit he deserves but once again he was immense for us.

“Chris made an excellent bow. We have known about Chris for some time and he was unfortunate at the start of the season not to get his chance when I broke my ribs. He has waited and bided his time and Chris is going to be a big player for this club.

“I'm delighted he has signed for another couple of years and to have the chance to work with him.”

De Vos needed to have one of the half-dozen stitches above an eye removed to relieve the pressure on the wound before the game.

The cut reopened during the match on Saturday and he finished the contest swathed in a bandage around his head.

Owen Garvan, Scott Barron and Sito Castro, were among the walking wounded after the match and will join Ian Westlake and Jimmy Juan in the treatment room this morning.