Jim Ervin fears emotion is being taken out of football due to fear of reprisals. The Ballymena United boss picked up a booking after his side conceded a 100th minute equaliser to Linfield on Friday night.

The Sky Blues thought they had secured up all three points after Patrick McEleney's stoppage time penalty put them 2-1 in front only for Kyle McClean to break their hearts with his late, late leveller for the league leaders.

In the aftermath Ervin picked up a booking from referee Steven Gregg but he feels more understanding should be shown to managers and players, especially in high pressure situations warning it could lead to radio silence from everyone going forward.

READ MORE: Family of Linfield fan who took ill at game hail Glentoran star as a 'hero'

READ MORE: Jim Ervin offers up Linfield opinion after the fallout from their Irish Cup exit

"I know the officials have a difficult job but I got booked at the end of the game for my reaction after we've conceded with seconds to go, but it seems you're not allowed to react," said the United manager.

"We were 2-1 up at home to the league leaders Linfield, we've conceded late on can I not be frustrated or upset? Things like that you're hoping people understand because you've worked hard all week for this.

"I don't mean to be critical but the officials aren't in the same position as we are in terms of what's valuable for where we end up at the end of the season.

"Emotion seems to have gone from the game now whether it's the players or us on the sidelines you can't do anything.

"It's frustrating and I honestly feel it's going to get to the stage where players and coaching staff can't speak after a game because emotions are high.

"The media want us to speak the truth but if you're going to get punished for it then you're going to remain tightlipped."

Despite the frustration of those closing minutes at The Showgrounds Ervin said there were plenty of positives for his side to take from the draw.

"There are a lot of positives to take from it, we told the players to get their heads lifted and keep going because we have to build on it," he said.

"We went to Larne two weeks ago and went toe-to-toe with them and were unlucky not to get a point. We've now gone toe-to-toe with Linfield and should have taken all three points. There are signs of what we can achieve we just need to keep it going."

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice