Charlton Athletic boss slams QPR referee decision and drops hint amid Peterborough United transfer race
Nathan Jones was left bemused by a refereeing decision following the defeat to QPR.
Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones felt that his side should have been facing a 10-man QPR side at the end of the clash at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Addicks fell to a 3-1 defeat against the R’s, seeing a point slip from their hands in the final 10 minutes having levelled shortly after the break through a Rob Apter volley. Jones accepted that his team failed to make the most of their chances but was quick to criticise a decision from the referee.
Late in the match, Charlton Athletic substitute Charlie Kelman broke past the QPR defence but was taken down on the edge of the box by Amadou Mbengue. The R’s defender had already been shown a yellow card for a tackle on Miles Leaburn.
Nathan Jones criticises refereeing at QPR
The visitors were awarded a free kick but there was no second yellow card for Mbengue, despite jeers from the travelling supporters. Speaking to the media after full-time, Jones said: “We get ourselves back in it, have opportunities, we hit the bar. Then Kelman goes down, which is a second booking. It wasn’t given because apparently it wasn’t a promising attack, even though it’s right on the edge of the 18 yards. I don’t know how much more promising you get. It’s a categorical yellow card.
“There is a big decision that went against us that you expect people to get right. He had a hand, Mbengue, won the ball off TC [Tyreece Campbell] gave it to their player and he scored. It had a big impact on the game.”
The Charlton Athletic manager was also asked about potential incomings ahead of Deadline Day on Monday. The Welshman had previously outlined a need for additional recruits in defence and appeared to double down on that belief.
Charlton Athletic hope for one more summer signing
He explained: “We are looking to strengthen the squad. It won’t be a couple more, it’ll be one, but it’s that one we need. We have to make sure that to get it right.
“We have a good squad but are weak in one area that we have to address. We have tried to address that over the last seven or eight months, if I’m honest. It’s probably just a little more quality we need. We are in games and learning about the league, in the moments that we get we need to be better.”
Those words come amid reports that the Addicks are in a transfer race against Peterborough United and Stockport County to sign Walsall defender Connor Barrett. Football League World carried claims of that interest ahead of the weekend. The right-back already has two goals for Walsall in League Two this season and is known for his attacking offerings.
In other news, Charlton Athletic Player Ratings: 'Half-hearted' 4/10 and 'out of position' 5 v QPR.