SAM Ricketts claimed Shrewsbury Town should have been awarded a free-kick for the challenge that saw Josh Vela sent off in their 3-2 defeat to Oxford United.

The midfielder received a controversial second yellow card ten minutes before the break after catching Marcus Browne, which left both players on the floor.

REPORT: Shrewsbury Town 2, Oxford United 3

Shrewsbury were 2-0 up and cruising at the time, with Browne’s goal in first-half stoppage time sparking United’s comeback.

Ricketts was frustrated at several of referee Sebastian Stockbridge’s decisions, but was especially perplexed at Vela’s dismissal.

The Shrewsbury manager told the Shropshire Star: “It’s never been a sending off. It’s our foul.

“If you watch it back their player has come through straight-footed, waist-high on our player.

“Josh doesn’t know he’s there, he’s trying to hook the ball on, (their player) catches Josh.

“We somehow not only don’t get the foul, he then books Josh for a second bookable offence.”

Read also: Karl Robinson hails Oxford United's discipline at Shrewsbury Town

Stockbridge was jeered relentlessly by the home support after the red card.

Ricketts added: “He (Stockbridge) has let foul after foul after foul go early in the game, saying that’s the standards he’s going to referee today’s game (by).

“Then he dishes two yellow cards out to Josh Vela.

“He can’t book Josh for the first one if he doesn’t pull up other fouls.”