Aitor Karanka questioned ‘a lack of respect’ towards his Birmingham City side as he slammed referee Gavin Ward for not awarding the hosts two penalties.

The first was seconds before Rovers took the lead as Victor Sanchez went down as Amarii’i Bell stretched for the ball, with a quick counter-attack from the visitors leading to Adam Armstrong’s 11th minute goal as the Blues protested.

Karanka revealed the second penalty, one he felt was much clearer, should have come for a foul on Mikel San Jose from a second half corner as they pushed for an equaliser. The Spaniard, whose side lost for an eighth time at home this season, feels decisions have continually gone against his side, and felt the result was harsh on his side.

He said: “Once again something that is not in my hands has changed the game again.

“One week ago, three weeks ago, here, it’s down to individual mistakes and this was the referee’s mistake and it cost us a lot.

“When you’re due a decision at home and your confidence is not good and you should have a penalty, but 20 seconds later you concede a goal, it’s difficult to take.

“Even missing out on a penalty, the team finished much better in the first half and we were much better in the second half, when we should have had another penalty.

“The referee, fourth official and the linesman didn’t see it.

“We were playing better and creating chances but they scored a second goal which I think it not a reflection of the game.”

Karanka revealed he has received letters of apology from the refereeing authorities, but says they have offered little solace for his side who sit just four points above the relegation zone.

He added of the incidents: “I have seen both of them back. They were clear but when you see the penalty decisions we have suffered, it’s difficult to understand.

“The lack of respect – I don’t know if it’s the referees or the committee, but the lack of respect to this club and to these players is amazing.

“Every single game there is something against us. I don’t want letters of apology, I want points on the table.

“Two penalties for us and we got nothing. I don’t know if it’s a lack of respect or someone has something against this club or against me, but it’s the same.”