BARROW AFC manager Pete Wild has said that the Newport referee 'apologised' for sending off Rory Feely in their 1-0 defeat last week.

Referee Seb Stockbridge showed the Irish defender a straight red card in the 81st minute for a challenge on Exiles full-back Aaron Lewis.

Despite the protests from the Barrow faithful in the SO Legal stadium and Wild's post-match protestations, the club announced prior to the mid-week game against Doncaster that Feely's ban would be upheld after an unsuccessful appeal.

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Speaking to the club's website after the Newport defeat Wild shared his opinion on the dismissal.

He said: "I have got to be careful what I say because if I said what I really think then I will get fined.

"That is an absolute disgrace and it ruins the football match.

"People pay good money to watch football matches to be ruined, absolutely ruined by horrendous, horrendous decision making."

This means that the defender, who only arrived at the club, will be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures against Bradford City and Stockport County.

Speaking on unsuccessful appeal, Wild shared his bemusement with the decision.

He said: "Well, frustrated because the referee has apologised and said it was not a red.

"The referee has been marked down for it and still it is not overturned so we are very frustrated about it."

The Bluebirds boss also shared his dismay with losing Feely after his impressive start to life as a Barrow player.

He said: "He has done well, we are really pleased with how he has started and to lose him for three games and three big games, it is frustrating."