Holloways asks for clarification on rules after loss at MK Dons

Swindon Town were left flummoxed by some of the referee’s decisions in the game as they were defeated 3-1 against Milton Keynes Dons.

It is now four games without a win for Swindon in League Two after they lost at Stadium MK and are now just one point outside the relegation zone.

Speaking after the game, captain Ollie Clarke was especially frustrated with the second goal after MJ Williams’ effort struck Laurence Maguire as it went in.

He said: “Their lad seemed to be laid on the goal line in play and then it has obviously ricocheted off of him into the net.

“Jack [Bycroft] is on the goal line or near enough and there is no one else on the goal line so that should effectively be offside.

“It is a reaction to them going ahead but I also feel like the first goal wasn’t a corner in the initial phase.

“It is one of those where refereeing decisions but also our own lapses in concentration have cost us.”

Ian Holloway received a yellow card for his protestations towards the fourth official over a foul being awarded and he said he would like some of the minutiae of how the rules were being applied at this level to be explained to him.

He said: “We felt there were a few fouls [which weren’t given], Harry [Smith] got booked because he felt there was a foul and I also got booked because I felt there was a foul.

“The last thing you want me doing is getting sent off because I don’t know the rules at the moment.

“How they are being asked to referee and how the fourth official is being asked to step on everything we say, I used to be able to ask a question to him and say it in a passionate way but apparently you can’t any more.

“They are stripping you of your personality, so I must be very careful because a lot of times I won’t get what I want and I have to teach my lads how to behave – I didn’t do very well today, did I?

“I have written them a nice note, given them my telephone number and asked if someone from the Football Association refereeing department can come down and teach me what they are being asked to do this year.

“I thought there were a few incidents, particularly on Kab[ongo Tshimanga], they took his legs right as he was about to turn.”