A REFEREE has hit back after being accused of trying to influence a result by sending off four players from the same team.

Roy Moyse red carded the quartet during Queens Park’s shock defeat by New Star United in the quarter-final of the Robbins Cup on Sunday.

Premier Division title contenders Queens Park finished with only seven men and bowed out 4-2 after extra-time to the Division One outfit at Chapel Gate.

John Taylor and Mike Johnston were dismissed for using foul or abusive language to the referee, while Steve Flynn received two yellow cards and Matt Harvey went for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Queens Park also had four other players booked during the clash and will now face a multi-player misconduct charge from the Hampshire FA.

New Star, who had one player cautioned, will meet Shoulder of Mutton in the semi-final following their 2-1 win over West Moors SSC – in a game played simultaneously and at a different venue.

Queens Park boss Bilal Yasin claimed Moyse had favoured New Star due to an alleged connection with Shoulder of Mutton, an accusation the official strongly refuted.

“We felt the referee was incapable of refereeing a game at this level,” said Yasin. “He was on a power trip and wanted the game to be all about him. People were getting booked for very stupid things and he wanted to send off as many as he could.”

Yasin added: “We have nothing against New Star. They played really well and deserved their victory.”

In a statement issued to the Daily Echo, Moyse said: “As I do after every game, I have reflected on the decisions and stand by all of them. It is my responsibility and duty as a referee to enforce the laws of the game.

“My appointment to this match was known to Queens Park a week before. If they had any concerns about me refereeing they should have raised the matter with the FA before the match and not after they had lost.

“The FA has spent a lot of time, effort and money on the respect (the referee) campaign. I would be failing the FA, players and fellow referees if I did not carry out my duties.

“As for Queens Park, the FA has a very fair and robust appeal procedure in place if they wish to follow that path. But I will be standing by the decisions I made.

“This is a classic example of a football team whose lack of discipline has cost them a game they should have won.

“I am sure the FA will use this experience to send out a clear message to all clubs and players that abuse of match officials will not be tolerated.

“As a referee, I do not tolerate dissent or foul and abusive language that is directed towards me. Why would any referee want to go out and referee to be verbally abused?”