Harry Kewell slams referee after Notts County beaten at Exeter City

Harry Kewell has criticised the performance of referee Neil Hair following his disastrous first league game in charge of Notts County.

The Australian was banished to the stands as the Magpies went 4-1 down at Exeter City for arguing whether his side should have been awarded a penalty.

Nonetheless, Kewell had no complaints as Notts were eventually beaten 5-1 at St James' Park.

"We went in at 2-1 and it was game on," Kewell told Sky Sports.

"I was confident we were going to get something out of the game. But another set-piece and a mistake and we are 3-1 down. That is when the anger kicked in.

"I questioned the handball and you have to change a few other things because we are chasing the game. The eagle-eyed referee sees another handball, gives it to them and they miss it so we are still in it.

"Then there was a cross in the box and it was one of those 'does it hit his hand, or does it not?'. The referee says no, we are complaining, they go up the other end and score a goal.

"That was disappointing and that is when I get my marching orders. I said 'well done' to the referee; I said you can see one in the far corner but not one straight in front of you.

"Everyone wants to win, I am a winner. We had to try things and we had to be vulnerable at the back to get players in the box."

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