SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hit out at referee Abigail Byrne following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Yeovil Town at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Byrne red carded Shrimpers goalkeeper and Maher himself during an over-zealous performance.

And Maher felt her officiating sucked all enjoyment from the game.

“I thought she lost control of the game after 10 minutes,” said Maher.

“All the rest of it is a consequence of that. Zach’s come out and he’s said it’s him there (points to his body) and then hit his arm.

“He said the ref pulled out a yellow and then went for the red.

“But I don’t know what would’ve happened if the ball had gone in the net.”

Maher was also red carded in the aftermath of appealing for a penalty after Bim Pepple went to ground following a challenge from Yeovil goalkeeper Ollie Wright.

And Maher did not understand why he was dismissed.

“I appealed for a penalty and he (fourth official) said you can’t do that because your arms are up,” said Maher.

“I actually turned away from him but it was an incredible performance I have to say.”

“It’s an emotional game, their bench are appealing for things and so were we but he said it’s his job to report people for appealing.

“No-one swore or anything but when the appeal came for the penalty I think five or six people appealed.

“It’s incredible and I said to Mark (Bentley) on the side, you fall out of love with the game when it’s like this.”

And Maher, whose side are now 15th, felt the officials were guilty of trying to steal the show.

“You’re there to manage the games as officials, don’t be the centre of attention and don’t make it about you,” said Maher.

“There were decisions you just couldn’t believe what was going on and then they can’t deal with emotions.

“They cause the problems and then cause more problems by getting people sent off and booked. You just don’t know what way the decisions are going.”