Lennon blasts referee in ‘wrestling match’ draw

Bolton Wanderers manager, Neil Lennon, was highly critical of referee Mark Haywood in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw played out against Reading at the Macron Stadium.

First-half injuries to Zac Clough, Kevin McNaughton and David Wheater meant the Trotters’ were forced into three substitutions, Clough’s replacement Eidur Gudjohnsen netting Bolton their opener.

Regardless of their lead Lennon protested throughout the second half at Haywood’s leniency, not taking the same approach in his own post-match presser.

“He (Haywood) was absolutely appalling. There was no protection of our players tonight. Some of it turned into a wrestling match, he was so inconsistent.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the players but I have to be careful what I say about the referee, Kevin McNaughton gets booted in front of the linesman who doesn’t see it – how he can’t see it I don’t know,” the 43 year-old said.

The former Celtic boss is thin on the ground in terms of available players, with five of his squad sidelined, “we’re hanging by a thread at the minute in terms of players so we might have to move into the transfer market and try to get some loans in, but I can only use five at a time.”

A Jamie Mackie equaliser in the 93rd minute denied the home side all three points, leaving Lennon’s men 10 points clear of the drop zone.