Mike Flynn: 'Dan Butler red card against Notts County was the wrong decision'

Newport County manager Mike Flynn has hit out at referee Craig Hicks for showing Dan Butler a red card in their 3-0 defeat at Notts County.

Butler was sent off in the 34th minute after leading with his elbow on Matt Tootle in an aerial challenge which left the Magpies full-back needing treatment.

It proved a turning point in the game as Notts went on to bag three goals against the Exiles and could easily have got more, with Jorge Grant nearly sealing a hat-trick.

“The referee has got it wrong,” Flynn told the South Wales Argus. “It changed the game and it spoiled the game.

“I’ve been told by the fourth official that he [Butler] went in with excessive force.

“I don’t think the referee had control of the game to start with. I believe he’s made honest decisions but unfortunately he’s got a lot of key ones wrong.

“And, just to rub salt into the wounds, I’ve watched the third goal again as well and it wasn’t over the line. It’s not been a great day.”

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