Allardyce hits out at ref Walton

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'Blatant pen' was turning point - Allardyce

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has launched a stinging attack on referee Peter Walton after watching his side defeated 6-2 at Arsenal on Sunday.

Allardyce was left fuming after the official failed to give a penalty for Thomas Vermaelen's apparent trip on David Dunn when the score was 3-2.

"It was a blatant penalty," he said. "In the pressure pot of this league, you have to get major decisions right.

"If they (the officials) are not good enough, we should find someone who is."

TV replays suggested Vermaelen did indeed trip Dunn in the box, an offence that not only might have brought a penalty but also a red card for the defender.

And Allardyce was incensed after the match, claiming he had no choice but to speak out about Walton's performance.

"I try not to say too much publicly and say it through the system but unfortunately the system is not working so I have to be heard," he said.

606: DEBATE Yes, Sam, it probably was a pen and it may have been a pivotal moment in the game. But the final scoreline was 6-2 SportsFan

"People may say it is bitter or twisted, but I know I am 100% right because I am very professional in what I do. I research everything and (referees' chief) Keith Hackett knows I am right.

"I don't want to detract from Arsenal, but it was blatant.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the position of the referee was excellent. He just didn't, unfortunately, give the decision in our favour.

"It is human beings in a very big pressure position. If you do not get the major decisions right you don't stay in this league too long - not as a manager or a player, so as a referee you have got to be judged the same.

"That decision wasn't good enough and it had a major effect on the course of this game."

It is not yet clear whether Allardyce will face disciplinary sanctions for his comments.

But the 54-year-old, whose side had twice taken the lead before falling behind to Andrei Arshavin's goal, insists the decision was a turning point in the match.

"At that particular stage you would see us getting a penalty, probably scoring it, them going down to 10 men - because it is a red card for stopping a goal-scoring opportunity - and the balance swings in our favour," he said.