Inigo Calderon provides verdict on controversial decisions in Bristol Rovers' draw at Wrexham

Inigo Calderon provides verdict on controversial decisions in Bristol Rovers' draw at Wrexham

Bristol Rovers were forced to settle for a point in a hard-fought draw at Wrexham but seemingly had two late decisions go against them

Bristol Rovers head coach Inigo Calderon watches on at Wrexham (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images )

Inigo Calderon has declared that Bristol Rovers "cannot expect anything to happen" to them when it comes to refereeing decisions after the Gas saw two controversial decisions go against them in their 1-1 draw at Wrexham on Good Friday.

Rovers had taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the first half as Taylor Moore headed in from a Matt Butcher corner for his first goal in blue-and-white quarters but their resistance was broken midway through the second half as Matty James poked home in the area. However, there was a handball shout as the midfielder controlled the ball.

‌

The Gas were also aggrieved late on as Shaq Forde was brought down in the penalty area in added time, with no spot kick awarded.

Asked about the decisions post-match, Calderon said: "I said to the boys, we cannot expect anything to happen to us. If something's going to happen, it's going to be against us 100 per cent. You have to, not accept that, but nearly accept that because when you are down there, it's an easier one. You play against one of the best teams in the division, they're not going to give you anything at all, you know?

"So I don't know what happened there, but if it's in any doubt, it's not going to be for us. But listen, we have to accept that. We put ourself in that situation, so we have to take it now."

Article continues below

Although Rovers had to settle for a point having taken the lead, it could prove to be a valuable result in their bid for League One survival as they ended a run of six consecutive defeats.

The Gas fell into the relegation zone last weekend after losing 2-1 to Exeter City and, while Burton Albion's goalless draw at Exeter City keeps them in the bottom four, they head into back-to-back home matches against Stevenage and Reading with renewed confidence.

Bristol Rovers Live on Whatsapp Join Bristol Rovers Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol Rovers stories sent straight to your phone Bristol Rovers Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol Rovers news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community.

‌

"Really happy, because I think we have to know where we are coming from," the Spaniard reflected. "We are coming from a really bad run. A big, long run; too many defeats in a row. We came to a really difficult stadium.

"So, [I] feel disappointed because we have just one point. I think that says everything in there. My thing was it was a great performance.

"Obviously disappointed because we were 1-0 [up] and you want to get the three, but I think overall, you can see that this team are alive and it's a big thing at this stage of the season.

‌

Sign up for our Rovers newsletter Bristol Rovers are fighting to survive relegation from League One and you won't miss a beat with our free newsletter. All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Gas, delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE

"I said to the boys that this point is going to be important," Calderon added to Bristol Live when asked about how much good the result will do for his players mentally. "Obviously, we are in the same situation and it's one less game so that's not the best. But still, for me, football is about how you feel and I think we feel much better than a couple days ago. Especially at this stage of the season to have that, not confidence, but belief that we are doing this right and we are, as I say, we are not that far to get something.

"We were not far again. If you can get something from here today, that's because you are alive. Today was not lucky to get something. We cannot wait for the luck because it's not going to give us anything. The referee is not gonna give us anything. So I'm really proud of the boys today."

Article continues below

Click here to read article