Charlton boss Jose Riga insists Lee Tomlin dived to win a penalty which he then scored in a damaging 1-0 defeat against Bristol City at the Valley.

The result means Charlton are now bottom of the Championship for the first time this season.

Tomlin won and scored the spot-kick which leaves the Addicks three points from safety.

But, Riga is adamant that the player, on loan from Bournemouth, dived.

He said: “I saw two teams fighting for the same thing. And then it’s about, one big decision for the penalty.

“I only speak after seeing the images so no it wasn't a penalty. It was diving.

“If you say there is contact, then you give a penalty for every corner or free-kick. It was just diving.

“So for me, it wasn't a penalty.

“It was a close game and again, a penalty in two games, I don't want that because of the situation we’re in.

“It’s more easy to give penalties against us because we don't deserve this. A draw would've been a fair result.”

Johann Berg Gudmundsson's push on Tomlin won the Robins a penalty which the player put away to give the travelling side the lead.

With Charlton creating next to nothing, City could have doubled their lead when Tomlin’s cut-back found Freeman, whose deflected shot was excellently saved by Stephen Henderson.

In the second-half, the Addicks started brightly as Zakarya Bergdich saw his effort saved by Richard O’Donnell - while Ademola Lookman had his diving header blocked.

However, that was all Charlton could create throughout the whole game and were lucky to only concede one.

Freeman was thwarted by Henderson on multiple occasions and should have scored at least twice.

Morgan Fox endured a difficult afternoon in SE7 and was sarcastically cheered when he was subbed off.

Riga admits the jeers are not going to help the Welsh youngster.

He added: “You can imagine that it doesn't help, we need everyone and we have to make the difference.

“He’s young and is from the academy of Charlton - I see him every day in training that he wants the best for the club.

“But, sometimes you can’t to everything that you want and it’s difficult when the confidence and support isn't there.

“I didn't take him off because of this. Bergdich with his speed, could bring us something different.”

Igor Vetokele, who starred in the 4-1 victory at Rotherham last week, was absent from the team because of a knock he picked up in training.

Riga is hoping that he will be fit for next week’s game against Cardiff.

He said: “I hope he will be ready for the next game. Of course, based on the result of last week, he’s important for the team. Him and Simon compliment each other.

“Normally when you win a game 4-1, you can put the same team out.

“Also, I don't want to speak about the qualities of Ademola, everyone knows what he can do. But, he needs game time to recover his sensations because he is very young.”