CHARLTON manager Phil Parkinson was livid after two controversial decisions cost his side dear against his former club Colchester.

After Paul Benson’s spectacular overhead kick levelled things at 3-3 late on at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the striker converted what appeared to be a dramatic winner only to see it disallowed.

To make matters worse for the Addicks, Benson was then given a straight red for a challenge on John White and could miss three games, including the FA Cup clash with Tottenham, unless Charlton successfully appeal.

And not only does Parky believe an appeal is almost certain, he strongly believes both chalking Benson’s second goal off and then dismissing him were poor calls by match official Pat Miller.

He said: “I know that we’ve been on the end of two very bad decisions today and I should be stood here celebrating a 4-3 victory with all eleven players still on the pitch.

“Benson’s header on the back stick was probably one of the fairest challenges you’re ever likely to see in a penalty box and how that can be deemed a foul, I really don’t know.

“And then there was the sending off. I’m a bit frustrated because from where I could see it, it was a yellow card at the absolute most.

“The fourth official was stood next to me and I told him “you know that’s not a sending off” and I asked him to tell the ref what he’d seen, but he said his mic wasn’t working so he couldn’t communicate with the ref!

“That really frustrates me because the fourth official is here to do a job and he, like me, had a good view of it but unfortunately he couldn’t give his opinion to the referee.

“Benno’s allowed goal was a terrific goal to get us back in the game and he looked a different player today after missing a couple of chances against Brighton.”

On appealing the decision, he continued: “From what I’ve seen, the red card is a definite appeal. We’re having a look at it again as we speak and I’d be very surprised if we don’t get off it.

“There’s minimal contact there and it’s definitely not a sending off – if it is then we’re all in big trouble because there’d only be seven players left on the pitch when people are sent off for tackles like that.

“The referee hadn’t even blown up for a free-kick but the linesman flagged and told him it was serious foul play or a tackle which endangered the Colchester player.

“I’m all for players being sent off if there’s the potential for injuring others and you take the three match ban on the chin if that happens, but you can’t get sent off for a tackle like Benson’s.

“There’s been some eventful games when I’ve come back to Colchester and today getting a point is okay but I should be stood here with three.

The home side were involved in their own big decisions, with the Addicks’ first two goals coming from the spot after a pair of handballs, the second of which seeing David Perkins sent off for preventing a goalscoring opportunity.

On the penalty kicks, Parky explained: “The first penalty decision I haven’t seen, but for the second Benno headed it and it looked over the line and Perkins pulled it back with his arm.

“After the sending off I was waiting for the linesman to give us a goal. He didn’t, but fortunately we’ve got a cool penalty taker in Johnnie Jackson.

“Jacko’s been exceptional for us to get that many goals. He’s got a great command of the ball and he has that same composure in the box and that’s a great quality to have.”

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