ROY Hodgson today laughed off suggestions that Blackburn Rovers' bubble had burst following their first defeat of the season on another crazy day at Ewood.

A madhouse opening period produced all seven goals as Leeds held on to win 4-3 in controversial fashion.

And crazy was the only way to describe Bristol referee Steve Dunn's handling of a game which also produced a host of yellow cards for the visitors, a red one for Harry Kewell and should have seen at least three penalties.

Most stop watches in the Press box also showed that Mr Dunn had played nearly 30 seconds short of "normal" time in the second half, never mind failing to add on time for stoppages which he indicated - on the pitch - that he was doing.

But the Rovers boss who had some strong words to say about the referee's denial of the spot-kick claims as well as the official's time-keeping, stressed there was no need to panic.

"As far as I am concerned there was no bubble to burst in the first place," he said.

"We are still a good football team and we shall be that same football team for the rest of the season. "I don't think there's anything to panic about as far as we are concerned.

"Our attacking play was of great quality and we were very good value for our three goals.

"These things happen in a football season but I would like to think that if we play as well as we did we will be okay.

"After our first defeat, I don't want to start bitching about penalty claims. What's happened has happened.

"But, after getting the first penalty, there were three other occasions when the referee could have given a penalty and George Graham and David O'Leary even agreed with me at half time.

"If there's any complaining about the referee we have every right. I don't think there would be too many complaints about the referee from Leeds when I saw four penalties and we only received one."

Crystal Palace are thought to be keeping an eye on Ian Pearce's situation after the central defender was transfer listed at his own request at £3 million.

But whether they will come up with what is double their original valuation remains to be seen.

Graham Cassin (2) and Graham Coughlan scored for Rovers A in a 3-1 win over Crewe, while Paddy Connolly and Garth Scates were on target for the B team in a 2-2 draw at Burnley.

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