Karl Robinson wants more protection for his players

Charlton boss Karl Robinson accused referee Nick Kinseley of “losing control of the game” as he demanded greater protection for his players after the 1-1 draw with Bradford.

In the visitors’ first fixture since the appointment of Simon Grayson as manager, they were outplayed throughout the first half, when Josh Magennis gave Charlton the lead, but responded throughout the second and deserved their equalising goal from substitute Tyrell Robinson.

The draw kept them in sixth and two points ahead of their seventh-placed hosts, who are also pursuing the League One play-off places, but following a competitive affair in which his team were given three yellow cards and Bradford four, Robinson spoke of plans to make an official complaint.

Robinson said: “The top managers talk about protection of your skill, what they call artists and flair players. Sullay Kaikai and Tariqe Fosu got some horrendous treatment.

“I’ll be calling the PGMOL after this.

“The second half was balanced and even. In the first half we were unplayable, one of the best halves I’ve seen here for a long time. But then the referee lost control of the game.

“I’m not taking anything away from Bradford but these players have to be protected.

“Maybe we need to cheat more: there’s a headline for you. Maybe we need to dive. I’ve made my opinions very clear. I don’t hold much back. It’s why I get in a lot of trouble.

“That’s not a deflection.”

Asked if he had approached Kinseley to discuss the official’s performance, he then responded: “What is the point? They just mug you off.”

Grayson, 48, appeared to have inspired his team’s improved performance after they struggled throughout the first half, but he dismissed Robinson’s suggestions his new team had been excessively aggressive.

His coach Greg Abbott was also sent to the stands after an exchange with the linesman, but he said: “It was a competitive game and there were yellows for both sides. I don’t expect my players to pull out of challenges. Both sides wanted to win.

“Karl’s entitled to his opinion, I get on well with him, but I know what he can be like straight after games.

“There could have been more yellow cards for our team and for Charlton Athletic.

“I don’t think the referee lost control.

“If anything we need to be more aggressive. It was a performance of two contrasting halves from us. We changed things at half-time and caused them a lot more problems.”