Allardyce unrepentant after ref rant

Allardyce was left incensed after a crucial decision went against his side at the start of the second half.

"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," Allardyce said.

Northamptonshire official Walton, who had earlier played a good advantage which allowed Arsenal to equalise at 1-1, did not point to the spot and send off defender Thomas Vermaelen for what replays suggested was indeed a trip on David Dunn.

Rovers had twice taken the lead, going ahead inside four minutes through Steven Nzonzi's header, before eventually being outclassed by the rampant Gunners, who are now the top scorers in the Barclays Premier League.

However, it was the case of what might have been which continued to irk Allardyce during a brief post-match press conference.

"People may say it is bitter or twisted, but I know I am 100% right because I am very professional in what I do," he added. "I research everything and [referees chief] Keith Hackett knows I am right. I don't want to detract from Arsenal, but it was a blatant penalty.

"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. In the big pressure pot that is this league, you have got to get the major decisions right otherwise 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.

"They are fully professional now so if they are not good enough, we should find someone who is. That decision wasn't good enough and it had a major effect on the course of this game."