Kevan Hurst blasts Walsall refereeing

Kevan Hurst today insisted a string of wrong calls have cost Walsall big and feels the Saddlers have been victimised by referees.

Dean Smith's men are winless in five games but winger Hurst insisted decisions have gone against them all season.

Andy Butler conceded a penalty and was sent off in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Colchester for a foul outside the box, while the Saddlers were denied a spot-kick after Magnus Okuonghae handled.

Butler was also dismissed in the 1-1 draw at Hartlepool – although it was later rescinded after referee Paul Tierney admitted his mistake.

Sheffield United were awarded a dubious penalty to beat Walsall 3-2 in August while Matthew Lowton, who scored the first goal, wasn't red carded for a horror tackle on Mat Sadler.

And Hurst insisted Saturday's defeat highlighted the way the Saddlers have been treated by officials.

He said: "I don't know if it's because they haven't played the game, but I feel it's happened too many times. It's affecting our results and where we are in the table.

"The connection with Butler and the lad is outside the box on Saturday so how the linesman gave it and the referee can send him off is beyond me."

Butler tops the League One discipline charts with three bookings and two reds – including his dismissal at Pools – but is training to be a referee.

And Hurst insisted the Saddlers skipper will be a top official because he understands what is needed.

He said: "When Butler has finished his career, he will be a good referee because he's played the game.

"That's what it needs, a lot more players to be referees."