Kevin Nolan admits he refused to shake referee’s hand after draw with Cheltenham
Posted Wednesday, March 07, 2018 by PA
Kevin Nolan admitted he refused to shake the hand of a referee for the first time in his managerial career after Notts County’s 1-1 draw at Cheltenham.
Magpies striker Jon Stead went down under a challenge from home goalkeeper Scott Flinders in the 17th minute but Graham Horwood waved away County’s appeals for a spot-kick, leaving Nolan livid.
“I am so disappointed and while we could have prevented the goal, it was a clear penalty and they are the ones you have to get right,” Nolan said.
“It’s an obvious penalty and sending off and it changes the game.
“They are massive decisions and they have to get them right.
“This is why we need help as they are nowhere near our lads are, who are professional athletes.
“I can’t repeat what I said to him but it’s the first time I haven’t shaken a referee’s hand after a game.
“I thought since I have been a manager I have always shaken their hand and I understand the difficulty of the job.”
Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson said he was pleased with his side’s performance against another promotion-chasing team, following a 2-2 draw at Luton last time out.
“From 1-0 down against a team who were in the top six and have been in the top two or three for most of the season, I was happy with our performance,” he said.
“We played some good football in the first half, without really looking like scoring, although we had a couple of half-chances early on.
“I knew we had to show more intent in the second half but kept our football going.
“We had three or four very good chances and I was celebrating as I thought we had a penalty for a foul on Jerell Sellars, but the lads were honest enough to say it was outside the box.”
Terry Hawridge was set up by Stead for the opening goal of the night in the 42nd minute as Nolan’s side led 1-0 at the break.
County were close to making it 2-0 in the 54th minute when Shola Ameobi crossed to Jorge Grant, whose close-range effort was saved by Flinders.
Ameobi volleyed into the side netting at the far post with an hour gone.
Adam Collin blocked a low drive from Carl Winchester as Cheltenham pushed for an equaliser.
It arrived in the 66th minute when Joe Morrell’s low shot from 25 yards deflected off a defender and beat the despairing dive of Collin.
Substitute Brian Graham was denied by Collin and Mo Eisa was close to winning it for Cheltenham with a free-kick in the 85th minute.
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