Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis issues damming verdict to referee's decision to book him against Fleetwood after facing fresh ban

With Pompey trying to fight back from three goals down against the Cod Army, the winger was often the architect of the Blues’ creativity.

But after he went down under a challenge early in the second half, referee Alan Young booked him for diving.

It was the Irishman’s 10th League One caution of the season and he will now serve a two-game ban – a significant blow to both Curtis and head coach Danny Cowley.

This isn’t the first time this season Curtis has been forced onto the sidelines due to suspension.

After collecting five yellow cards in the club’s opening 12 league games, he had to sit out the trip to Rotherham in November.

This time around Curtis will miss crucial clashes against Oxford United tomorrow night and Accrington on Saturday, with Pompey hoping to close the gap on the play-off places.

And Curtis believes Young’s decision to book him was a mistake.

He told The News: ‘Why do I need to go down in that situation?

‘I’ve passed him, I’ve got passed him and I’m going into the box before either crossing or shooting. It was a silly (decision) and I have no words to describe it.

‘The ref’s probably, I don’t know, felt like I’ve dived or something else. I don’t know what he’s thinking in that moment.

‘But, yeah, now I’m suspended for two games and it’s a silly mistake from the referee. I just have no words for it, really. It’s just silly from the referee.’

What will add to Curtis’ frustration is that unlike red cards, clubs are unable to appeal yellows – even if they result in a suspension.

So if the winger was unfairly penalised, he will pay the price for it regardless.