SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown was furious his side were not awarded a penalty during Tuesday night’s defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

Referee Ross Joyce opted to wave play on when Shrimpers striker Marc-Antoine Fortune went to ground in the first half.

And Brown did not agree with the decision.

“It was a stonewall penalty in my opinion,” said Brown.

“I’m not going to bemoan it but referees either have to stop that by booking the player or giving the penalty.

“He said it was neither so why would Marco go to ground?

“He didn’t think he dived but he didn’t think it was a penalty either.

“I just don’t get it.”

However, Brown was less convinced by Blues’ shouts for a penalty in the second half when Michael Timlin was challenged by Toto Nsiala.

“His decision to invite the challenge was maybe the wrong decision,” said Brown.

“He should have stayed on his feet and tried to finish it off.”