SAM Allardyce could be in big trouble with the authorities again after accusing Stoke referee, Phil Dowd of being a "homer" and saying he wated to "strangle him"!

The Wanderers' boss, furious after seeing his side beaten by a controversial 87th minute penalty at Watford last night, claimed the referee turned down an identical appeal at the other end two minutes later.

Anthony Barness's handball led to Tommy Mooney scoring from the spot to secure a 1-0 win that took Graham Taylor's Hornets' to the top of the table while claims that Gareth Farrelly's shot was similarly handled by Allan Nielsen were waved aside, leaving Wanderers 10 points adrift.

"I think the fact that we were playing away and Watford were at home had a lot to do with him making those decisions," Allardyce suggested.

"All you ask is for all referees to be fair but I don't think he was fair with us all through the game.

"We've got two identical situations and it would be interesting to see what the ref's got to say about why he didn't give both. He'll have to conjure up a magical answer!"

The comments are likely to be examined by the FA and, should they decide he has overstepped the mark, charges could follow. In the light of his censure when he was brought to book for his verbal attack on Barry Knight's refereeing of last season's promotion play-off decider at Ipswich, he could be severely punished.

Despite doing his utmost to restrain himself and, at one point, remarking that he needed to choose his words carefully, Allardyce could not disguise is anger and frustration after seeing is side play well and come away from Vicarage Road - a ground where Wanderers have never won - with nothing!

His comments were not as strong as those aimed at Mr Knight in May but he had no doubt in his mind where the blame lay for this latest setback to his hopes of keeping pace with the leaders.

"It was a very, very good performance by the boys," he said in praise of his players. "Not one of great flair but you don't expect to go to Watford and express yourself too much. But we controlled the game for long periods in the first half and in the second we were defensively very sound, played well in midfield, passed the ball well, got forward when we could ... unfortunately the ref's kicked us where it hurts!

"I just want to strangle him!"

Taylor said he didn't see the Barness handball. "Sam's always on his feet and he's a big man," the Watford boss explained with a wry grin. "He was in my way."