SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was left fuming at referee Robert Lewis following the Shrimpers' 3-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Lewis opted to wave play on when Dru Yearwood appeared to be fouled inside the box.

And Powell was extremely critical of the official's display and accused him of 'belittling' his side.

"All I want is fair judgements and I very rarely complain but I’m just not having what I’ve seen from the referee," said Powell.

"It’s a stonewall penalty on Dru Yearwood and the ball hasn't even moved so how can he say the defender won it?

"Harry Bunn got booked when he got the ball, Dru got booked for one tackle but (Lee) Cattermole has about three.

"He cleans Dru out and it’s no booking.

I know we all make mistakes but I can’t have that.

"They’re belittling us. Don’t belittle Southend and my players, that’s scandalous.

"Some of the decisions that went against us, I just can’t have that, sorry.

You understand there are 30,000 fans here but you have to be brave.

"I really don’t want to come out and do this but it has to be said."