REACTION: Bowyer bemoans refereeing decisions

Gary Bowyer was left frustrated with some of the refereeing decision in his Blackpool's side 3-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
Gary Bowyer was unhappy with some of the decisions made by referee Lee ProbertGary Bowyer was unhappy with some of the decisions made by referee Lee Probert
Gary Bowyer was unhappy with some of the decisions made by referee Lee Probert

With the scores deadlocked at 0-0 in the first half, Blackpool's appeals for a penalty were waved away by Premier League official Lee Probert when Danny Graham appeared to handle inside the Blackburn box.

Curtis Tilt was then penalised for a soft free kick in first-half stoppage time, allowing Charlie Mulgrew the opportunity to swing in a superb set piece that was headed home by the dangerous Bradley Dack.

Adam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home sideAdam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home side
Adam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home side
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Adam Armstrong then doubled Rovers' lead in the second period with a superbly-taken finish.

With just four minutes left on the clock, Blackpool thought they had pulled one back when Tilt headed towards goal - claiming it crossed the line - only for the appeals to once again fall on deaf ears.

Armstrong then added a third on the break to wrap up the three points.

“People will say it was never a 3-0 game but it is, it always is when the opposition team score three and you don’t," Bowyer said.

Adam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home sideAdam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home side
Adam Armstrong celebrates scoring for the home side
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“That’s not me being clever, I just never buy into this ‘it was never a 3-0 performance’ or anything like that.

“The result will always say what it is and that’s what it was.

“However, that being said, I don’t know what we have to do to get a penalty this year.

“I’ve just watched the incident back and the lads arm ends up waist high when he handballs it.

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“The referee tells me his arm is down by his side. But I’ve just seen it back and it was a clear handball.

“When the game is 0-0, when we had started the game ever so well, it’s just so frustrating because those decisions have a big impact on the game.

“Then is it a foul between Danny Graham and Curtis Tilt for the free kick where they score?

“Don’t get me wrong, we have to defend the free kick better, it’s as simple as that once he’s given it.

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“But that’s two major decisions that have had a massive impact on the game which he’s done nothing about.

“I’ve not seen Curtis Tilt’s header but it’s probably about 10 feet over the line. If it is over the line, that just adds to the frustration.

“I’ve been told all season it’ll change for us but we’ve heard that for 35 games now. We’ve only had one penalty all season.”