Referee spot-kick woes for Whittingham

It was a tale of the penalties which never were as Guy Whittingham rounded on referee Steve Rushton.

The Blues made it 18 matches without a victory in all competitions following last night’s 2-1 defeat at fellow-strugglers Scunthorpe.

Poor defending once again was Pompey’s downfall, the scoreline making it eight losses in a row as their misery continued.

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Whittingham was also left fuming with the display of Rushton at a wet Glanford Park. The Staffordshire official turned down the Blues’ spot-kick appeals for a handball and then for a trip on James Keene.

Adam Reed also appeared to have strong claims after he was upended in the box – all incidents coming in the second half.

And for the caretaker boss, it was the poorest refereeing display during his reign so far.

Whittingham said: ‘I am not one to blame referees and I haven’t done so far. You can’t blame him for the second goal.

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‘But a couple of those decisions he didn’t make, the handball which I think everyone saw, and James Keene – whether it was inside the box or outside – blatant.

‘There was also the Adam Reed one in the second half that people have mentioned to me.

‘And we had ones the other way when we were making fouls the other end and the referee doesn’t give it. It went both ways.

‘But those were two big decisions that didn’t go our way.

‘It is also a fact both dugouts – both of us – were just looking at each other and shaking our heads. I wouldn’t say it was one of his best games.

‘There were a few and both sides had them.

‘It was the first time I have been disappointed in a referee’s performance.’

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