Kightly raps referee for killing off Wolves challenge

Wolves winger Michael Kightly today claimed Sebastien Bassong's ninth-minute dismissal killed the game against Arsenal.

Preston referee Neil Swarbrick sent off the on-loan Tottenham defender, after blowing for a penalty for a foul on Theo Walcott.

Robin Van Persie's cheeky chipped spot-kick immediately handed the Gunners a lead they doubled within a minute through Walcott, before eventually winning 3-0.

And Kightly insisted Swarbrick's early decision ended the contest.

The wide man said: "It was probably a penalty, but I'm not sure it was a sending off – I think there are other players near to the ball.

Asked if it ruined the game, he said: "Definitely. We had a gameplan to stay 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 and felt if we could frustrate them for 20 minutes, we could get something.

"There was a good feeling in the dressing room beforehand and to go down to 10 men after nine minutes just killed it.

"To play a man down for so long is tough, but against Arsenal – arguably the best footballing side in the league – we were just chasing around. They were too good."

Meanwhile, Kightly today vowed Wolves won't throw in the towel – even if relegation is confirmed.

Last night's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal and wins for Wigan and QPR left Terry Connor's side nine points from the safety line with five games left.

Wolves would effectively be down on Monday night – when Wigan are at Arsenal - if they lose at Sunderland on Saturday and all of their rivals win, as only a massive swing in goal difference would keep them in the hunt.

However, winger Kightly insisted they would carry on fighting even if they suffer the drop.

He said: "We'll give it 100 per cent to the last day – even if we are mathematically not able to get out of it.

"That's the least we can do. No-one is going to throw the towel in."

Kightly also praised the fans for sticking with the team after they applauded the players off, adding: "When they are like that, the fans are tremendous and, if you give them 100 per cent, they will appreciate that. Last night they were different class."

If Wolves go down, Kightly would like the team to stay together to build a promotion challenge.

He added: ""We've got a good bunch of lads and we've shown we can do it."