REFFIN' MAD

FUMING Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson claimed his team were robbed as he branded referee Ray Lee's performance "the worst during my entire football career" after last night's incredible 1-1 draw at Conference champions Barnet.

Simpson's team, who guaranteed themselves a play-off place by earning a point, were reduced to nine men and eventually conceded a 96th-minute equaliser at Underhill after defenders Tom Cowan and Danny Livesey were both sent off during the second half.

The pair are both expected to be banned for Saturday's final Conference game at home to Exeter, while Livesey is also due to miss the first leg of the play-off semi-finals, which will be away at one of five possible opponents.

The Brentwood official added to United's fury by allowing more than an extra minute of stoppage time beyond the five minutes which had been signalled, which resulted in Giuliano Grazioli grabbing an equaliser before Barnet were presented with the Conference champions' trophy at the final whistle.

"It was a disgraceful performance by the referee and it is the biggest robbery I can remember during my whole career," said Simpson.

"He was a numpty but I could tell that he wanted to fit in with Barnet's party night and he didn't give a single decision against them all night.

"Grazioli dived in the box at one point and he didn't do anything about that and a couple of tackles went in that I wasn't too happy with.

"I haven't got any idea how he got five minutes of stoppage time to begin with, never mind the extra 60 seconds beyond that, while he said he sent Tom off for deliberate handball and for


"Some of our lads say they were behind Tom, including Matty Glennon, so we are going to have a look at the video and try to see if we can appeal over that one with the FA.

"Danny called the referee a cheat, so we can't really complain about that as he just lost it for a couple of seconds. It's a real shame as he was superb before that and may now miss out on some big games for us. We'll have to look into it and see what the full situation is."

United had led through a Magno Vieira goal before Grazioli's late strike for the hosts.