COLIN Todd has defended referees under fire from trial by television.

The Burnden boss says officials have a tough enough job without having their decisions scrutinised by the cameras.

Cambridge referee Mike Bailey awarded two hotly contested penalties - one to each side - in last night's fast and furious Sky TV game at Oakwell.

The first went Wanderers' way after just 75 seconds, when Alan Thompson was brought down by Steve Davis - an offence which the cameras showed to be clearly outside the penalty area. Barnsley got the benefit of the second, a borderline 67th minute case, when Gerry Taggart fouled John Hendrie.

Todd refused to condemn the official, insisting: "I never question referees' decisions.

"I've not even seen the incidents since they were given. Anyway, it's difficult enough for referees and when you've got TV here it's worse."

Barnsley boss Danny Wilson complained: "I thought there were some strange decisions but you have to live with that.

"I didn't see their penalty but I'm told that on TV it looked two yards outside the box.

"You should be looking for assistance from the linesman in those circumstances. He should be keeping up with play and helping the referee."

A point from the 2-2 draw meant Wanderers stretched their lead to four points at the top of Division One but they came away bitterly disappointed after surrendering a 2-0 lead.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.