Peterborough v Ipswich: IPSWICH Town manager Mick McCarthy was left bemoaning another referee’s decision which didn’t go his side’s way on Saturday.

The Blues had strong penalty appeals turned down in the second half after the ball had clearly struck Peterborough midfielder Jack Payne’s hand in his own box.

The referee decided that the contact was accidental.

Town had two men sent off in last Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

McCarthy later branding the second yellow card that Richard Stearman received – for an innocuous coming together with Andy Reid – as ‘bonkers’.

Town were denied a penalty early in that game after Lee Martin was fouled as he burst into the box. The referee decided that the infringement began outside the box, though you could make a strong case that the telling impact was inside.

In addition, Martin could well have been awarded a penalty in the 2-0 defeat against Watford last month.

“We had another decision go against us,” said McCarthy. “A clear penalty that has again somehow not been given.

“I’ve seen it again and he (Payne) moves his hand to the ball. I can’t see anything other than a penalty. I’m not one for rose-coloured specs, if it’s not it’s not, but he should have given that.”

Asked about the penalty incident, Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson said: “I didn’t honestly see it. Honestly.

“Do you know what though? If it is (a penalty) then it’s about time we got some luck regarding officials.”

Town now host Bolton and Leeds either side of an international break.