Angry Dean Smith blasts 'pathetic' refereeing following late Aston Villa defeat

Neal Maupay’s stoppage time winner, the only goal of the game, ensured Smith’s return to his former club was a miserable one.

The Villa boss was left fuming with referee Gavin Ward, who earlier waved away appeals for a penalty when Tammy Abraham went down in the box.

Smith felt the decision was the latest in a series to go against his team and said: “I have seen it back. Some of the decisions from officials this season have been pathetic.

“They are professional and need to be working harder they are in the right positions to see.

“We are not winning the big moments but we are also not getting some decisions.

“You saw it at West Bromwich Albion a couple of months ago, handball in the last minute for a goal.

“You saw it against Sheffield United last week when a goal is allowed despite getting kicked out of the keeper’s hands.”

Maupay’s late strike came after Villa had defended doggedly for much of the game. Albert Adomah and Conor Hourihane were also both guilty of missing golden chances with the game goal-less.

The defeat means Villa have now fallen seven points behind the Championship’s top six.

“It is tough to take. A frustrating night. I thought we defended really well and didn’t give too many big chances away,” said Smith.

“On the balance of the big chances, we had them and didn’t take them.”