Charlton’s Tom Lockyer says referees should be made to front up to media questions after making bad decisions

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Players often front up to the media for interviews after a defeat – and Charlton defender Tom Lockyer feels that match officials should face the same scrutiny.

The Addicks were beaten 2-1 by Luton Town on Tuesday evening, with both goals contentious after referee Darren England missed potential free-kicks in the build-up.

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s drive had cancelled out Jonathan Leko’s Kenilworth Road opener, although Hatters striker James Collins was clearly in goalkeeper Dillon Phillips’ eyeline whilst standing in an offside position.

Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown scored the winner for the hosts early in the second-period, but used his hand in the process of controlling the ball.

“How the first goal is not offside is quite frightening to be honest,” said Welsh international Lockyer, who has played the full ninety minutes of every Charlton league game so far this season, following his summer move from Bristol Rovers.

“We’re in the Championship now. The referees, they’re over-protected, aren’t they? They should be out here answering about their decisions as well. The second goal as well, Dills said it hit his arm. I thought it was an unbelievable touch to be fair. I couldn’t see the handball so I can’t blame the officials on that one but the first offside, I don’t know what he said.

“I said ‘how is he not offside’ and he said ‘someone played him on’. I said ‘who?’ and he said ‘I don’t know.’ That was the conversation I had. It hurts, especially when you’re out here trying to get a clean sheet and trying to get points on the board and you’re getting done with things like that.

“It’s very frustrating. I don’t think we were at the races first-half but second-half we were a bit better. But when you come away to places like these everybody has to be on it and make things happen and play their part for the team.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS