McLeish blasts FA after derby row

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has blasted the Football Association after the club were charged with failing to control their players in the derby defeat at Villa.

The Blues boss is angry after Stephen Carr was slapped with a one match ban for an alleged obscene gesture made to Villa fans.

Roger Johnson has also been asked to explain his comments about referee Martin Atkinson – who awarded the late match-winning penalty against the defender after his tackle on Gabby Agbonlahor.

McLeish confronted Atkinson after the final whistle on Sunday and, ahead of tomorrow's visit of Burnley, believes the FA must take more responsibility.

The manager said: "It's some line that, Birmingham City failing to control their players.

"What are we meant to do, run on the pitch and pull them away? We're not allowed over that white line. The authorities could do more to help the referees.

"If there had been the fifth and sixth additional officials there in the way it's being trialled, then Martin Atkinson would have been saved his blushes.

"As a result three billion people around the world have seen that the referee has made a mistake. That can't be good for the referees.

"I'm sure the refs' association would agree with that."

The Scot has defended his players, highlighting their disciplinary record which has allowed him to field a settled side during their impressive Premier League campaign.

McLeish said: "The players have an exemplary record. Johnson has not been suspended this season.

"A big ugly centre-half, kicking lumps out of centre-forwards all season, and he has not been suspended."