Karl Robinson says Patrick Bauer’s 38th-minute goal should not have stood in Charlton’s 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Bauer's header was pushed on to the post by Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith, who then caught the ball. But the linesman thought it had crossed the line and awarded the goal.

Charlton had to play with ten men for the majority of the game after Lee Novak was sent off for a two-footed challenge inside six minutes.

And Addicks boss Robinson believes simulation from Stuart Sinclair played a part in the red card.

He told News Shopper: “It wasn't a sending off and it wasn't a goal either. So, hopefully, when I’m saying it wasn't a sending off I’m not seeing that through rose tinted glasses.

“Lee Novak’s come across, he’s been fouled and when he’s getting his legs, he’s gone into the challenge. From behind it doesn't look great but I’m looking right down the line of it.

MORE - Report: Charlton 1 Bristol Rovers 0 - Ten-man Addicks secure hard-fought win

“Sometimes, it’s simulation that’s got him sent off, personally. Three or four times their players went down and didn't get booked. I thought we were stamping that out in this country? I’ll speak to the referee.

“The player was just doing his job, he’d been hurt and stayed down. I think he knew it was a firm tackle. But I’ve told my players to go in firm, I won’t tell them to stop tackling. It’s what we've been brought up on.

“If Lee hadn’t gone in firm, you would’ve heard the place erupt for him not going into the challenge. I think the fans knew, they clapped off. It meant so much for Lee this year and I feel so sorry for him because he’s tried so hard. With losing Josh [Magennis], it was his opportunity.

“We won’t appeal the red card - I can’t be bothered with the fine.”

Charlton defended valiantly in the second-half and restricted Rovers to long-range efforts.

MORE: Player ratings from Charlton's opening day win over Bristol Rovers

The opening day win with ten men shows that there is a different and stronger mental side to the team than this time last year.

Robinson added: “The fitness levels were incredible. We’ve certainly lit something here.

“You’ve got to make us bleed to get anything out of us. I’ve been here as the opposition, I’ve come here scared and come out with nothing.

“I don’t think you would’ve known they had an extra man. We dominated the ball, and they dominated it when their two centre-backs had it.”