Rotherham United: Ref wrong over penalty incident, says Paul Warne

Frustrated manager Paul Warne is adamant Rotherham United should have been awarded a penalty in their 1-1 Championship draw at home to Bolton Wanderers.

The Millers were leading 1-0 through Will Vaulks' long-range free-kick when substitute Ryan Manning fell under an 81st-minute challenge in the visitors' box.

But Leicestershire referee John Brooks rejected appeals for a spot-kick, instead yellow-carding Manning for diving, and the Trotters salvaged a point four minutes later through former Rotherham target Christian Doidge.

"I honestly think there is contact," said Warne. "I have watched it back eight times. The ref has obviously seen in it from a different angle and has booked him for simulation.

"I think it is a penalty. In the speed of the game, sometimes people might get it wrong.

The official's display angered home supporters, but Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: "The referee was excellent in terms of being on the ball with every decision."

The draw left the Millers - who saw their goalkeeper, Marek Rodak, save a 47th-minute penalty - in 20th place, two points above the drop zone.

Warned added: "It was a good game if you're a neutral. I'm disappointed not to win, even more so because their goal was so late on. 

"I never think that a game is safe. Until the whistle goes, I am virtually having a heart attack. 

"They had four strikers on by the end so I knew they would create something. It's a pity we didn't get a second goal. 

"I thought we created two really good chances from set-pieces (headers by Semi Ajayi and Kyle Vassell). On another day they go in and we take three points."