Lee Grant hits out at officials after Walsall's draw at Swindon

Lee Grant has hit out at the officiating which he felt denied Walsall victory in their 1-1 draw at Swindon Town.

Tai Sodje equalised for Walsall 10 minutes into the second half, after Aaron Drinan has fired Swindon into a fifth-minute lead.

Aaron Pressley’s effort, which was clawed into the air by Connor Ripley, crossed the line, before Sodje tapped in to be certain.

But the goal was disallowed for an offside, before Ripley escaped punishment for a high tackle on Sodje just inside the box.

“I’ve managed to go and speak to the officials in the calmest way possible,” head coach Lee Grant said.

“I have to say they’re very respectful and all good people. They invited me in and I had a sit down before I even spoke to the players because I wanted to make sure they were clear how I felt and so I had a clear picture of why decisions were, or weren’t made.

“It’s safe to say that my view has been backed up. Mistakes can happen.”

He added: “I’ve watched it back - it’s a goal. Pressley is in the stands celebrating, Reece Smith’s arm is in the air and Tai is stood a yard away with the ball over the line.

“It was actually quite difficult for the officials to come up with a reason, even after Tai put it in, as to why it wouldn’t be allowed.

“He’s in an onside, or at the very least a level position. He’s not interfering with the defender or goalkeeper.

“Then Connor Ripley’s first statement to me when he came off the pitch was: ‘That was a red card and a penalty, wasn’t it?’

“And I said, I know mate. Connor is being honest, that’s fine and he got away with one.”