Martin Allen insists Barnet must respect the referee’s decision after Sam Togwell and Andy Yiadom were sent off in defeat against Wycombe Wanderers, confirming the Bees will not appeal either decision.

The pair saw red as Barnet were knocked out of the FA Cup first round, losing 3-1 to the League Two leaders. 

Former Blues loanee John Akinde handed Barnet a second-minute lead, but a penalty from Paul Hayes – also shrouded in controversy – drew Wanderers level, before Togwell was dismissed just before the half-time whistle.

Second-half goals from Aaron Pierre and Sam Wood sealed Wycombe’s passage into round two, before Yiadom was given his marching orders at the death.

Asked about the role of referee Mr Langford in the tie, Allen replied: “I think it’s best we respect the referee’s decisions. He has a very hard task – especially with a very quick pitch and the weather, wind and rain.

“Who am I really to be judgemental on a referee’s performance? You have to respect what their decisions are. It is a hard enough job as it is and I certainly don’t put any blame towards the referee and I shook his hand as he came up the tunnel.”

The Bees head coach confirmed the club would not be appealing either of the dismissals and added: “I think referees get too much criticism personally; I think they get too much scrutiny and intensity on their performance and I think the game is about the players of both teams.”

Barnet carved out a number of presentable first-half chances and Allen opined: “We had the changes in the first half: two one-on-ones with their goalkeeper when we were 1-0 ahead and I think those moments were probably the crucial moments in the game.

“Curtis (Weston) was through one-v-one and Luisma was through, he chose to do the overhead kick and I thought that would have put us out the way.

“They (Barnet) started like a train; they started extremely well and to be honest, I thought we battled and played with full energy. I thought we kept going right until the very end, so I think it is fair to say I’ve given them all a good pat on the back when they came in the dressing room and said: ‘Well done, you’ve put in a great effort today.’”

You can read the match report from Barnet’s first round FA Cup defeat by clicking here.