NEIL Lennon admits he is fresh out of ideas on how to improve refereeing in the Football League.

Wanderers have already called in ref’s chief David Allison to voice their concern at the standard of officials they have had this season, but to no avail.

Lennon was left dumbstruck by the performance of Mark Haywood in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Reading – but reckons there is little more anyone can do to improve standards.

“That’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” he told The Bolton News. “People will have a go at me for having a go at the referee but that was appalling.

“We’ve had David Allison in already but he can’t do much about a performance like that. I’m not sure what we can do other than that.

“You know when it’s bad because the fans were on the ref’s case as well. He spoiled the game.

“I saw him give a throw-in for us, Dannsy had been pushed in the back by the way, then the ref signals for the ball to go forward – and then Reading take the throw.

“I’m asking the fourth official what’s going on and he can’t give me an explanation. He’s just shrugging his shoulders.”

Haywood was criticised by both managers at the Macron, with Steve Clarke also wading in with a frank assessment after the final whistle.

“I’d guess he (Lennon) has already mentioned the referee’s performance,” he said. “And I’d second that, no question.”

The two bosses disagreed, however, on Reading’s approach to the game.

Lennon argued the Royals had been overly physical and contributed to the three injuries Wanderers received before half time.

“The one on Zach Clough – Nathaniel Chalobah came through the back of him. There was no protection for him at all at any stage of the night. It was a wrestling match at times.

“You don’t mind the game being physical but a foul is a foul.”

Clarke retorted: “It was a physical game but I don’t think it was a wrestling match.

“Clough fell on pitch and dislocated his shoulder. It wasn’t anything to do with a challenge.

“McNaughton stood in front of Obita as he kicked the ball. You have to be fair.

"I don’t think there was anything untoward in any of the injuries.”