BURNHAM manager Paul Shone has that suggested match referees should not be told when they are being observed or assessed, writes Rob Stevens.

Shone made the comment after two of his players were dismissed during the Hellenic Supplementary Cup tie between the Blues and Lydney Town, who also had a player sent off, on Saturday.

He explained to the Observer: “Lucas Sinclair was dismissed for two bookings but for me the first one wasn’t a caution. He will need to learn from that anyway.

“George Weller was the last man for his second booking, but the referee allowed play to go on then pulled it back and you can’t have it both ways.

“I feel a little bit sorry for him because it was a poor decision from the referee and the fact he couldn’t give a proper answer afterwards made it even more annoying.

“There wasn’t a bad tackle in the game but there were eight yellow cards and Lydney had a player sent off as well, which you could argue whether or not it was justified.

“It’s disappointing because it doesn’t reflect the manner that the match was played in.”

“When referees are being assessed they feel they have to do things differently and make strange decisions. Just let them referee the game as if the assessor is not there.”

Burnham won the third round tie 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time at The Gore.

The Blues make the short journey to Holyport in Hellenic Division One East this Saturday (3pm).