Smith bemoans poor defending and referee’s decisions

Dean Smith was critical of referee James Linington following Brentford’s defeat at home to Cardiff.

The Bluebirds came from behind to win 3-1 at Griffin Park, where Neal Maupay gave the home side an early lead.

“It was a game where we really needed a strong referee but it stunk of inconsistency tonight,” Bees boss Smith said.

“There were pushes and shoulder barges all over the field that were either being pulled up or let go and against the physicality of Cardiff you need to know where you stand.”

However, Smith also conceded that his side’s sloppy defending was a major reason for the result, as was the absence of Henrik Dalsgaard.

He said: “I’m not sure whether a couple of their goals were because they were physical and dominant or we were soft. It was certainly two very contrasting styles of play.

“We were excellent for the first 20 minutes but we left the back door open a bit too often and they have pace that can break you down.

“We missed the physicality of Henrik Dalsgaard, whose wife has just had a baby girl.”