STEVE Cotterill launched a plea for consistent refereeing after a controversial penalty led to Burnley's 1-0 Championship defeat at Coventry.

The Clarets boss said he would be contacting referees' chief Keith Hackett in response to the spot-kick that ended his side's mini unbeaten league run.

Colin Cameron smashed home City's winner from 12 yards, but Cotterill was unhappy with referee Mike Thorpe's penalty award for John McGreal's challenge on Dele Adebola.

Shortly after the Sky Blues snatched the lead, Thorpe waved away Burnley's penalty appeals when Robert Page tugged at striker Gifton Noel-Williams.

"It wasn't a penalty," said Cotterill. "John McGreal has kicked the ball first and if it's a bad foul or a penalty, why didn't he (Thorpe) book him?

"He booked four others afterwards when he didn't need to.

"If anything, it was a penalty at the other end on Gifton Noel-Williams. If that's not a penalty, well I never!

"It will be an interesting phone call I make on Monday morning to Mr Hackett, because that decision has cost us.

"It wasn't a penalty and that decided the match. We had a referee who, in my opinion, wasn't up to the required standard."

Cotterill added: "Decisions like that cost you and they are match-deciding decisions.

"And to be fair, we are playing away from home, so we don't get that one.

"We have to sharpen up and get better referees, because they are big decisions to be made and they are getting them wrong.

"I can understand a free-kick or a tackle going against you, but that was a big decision that decided a game in which I though we did enough away from home at least to come and get a result - and could have gone on to win.

"We just want a consistent standard - whether you are at home or away.

"That's not me griping on a referee's decision either, because over the last month I would have probably done more good for referees than bad and unfortunately I can't do that."

While the penalty decision cost the Clarets, Cotterill admits his side also paid the price for failing to take their chances.

Burnley missed a host of good opportunities, especially in a strong first-half display, and were handed several free-kicks outside the City box.

Cotterill added: "Two things have cost us the game today.

"We weren't ruthless enough with our chances and the referee's decisions.

"But we've done enough to get something out of the game. The minimum would be a draw."

On the penalty decision, Coventry boss Micky Adams said: "I have seen some of those decisions given and some waved away and I can understand why Steve might be a bit irate."

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