Bolton manager Owen Coyle believes smaller clubs do not “get the rub of the green” when they visit top sides.
Coyle was unhappy referee Stuart Atwell failed to give a foul on Lee Chung-Yong just moments before Wanderers defender Gary Cahill saw red for a foul on Marouane Chamakh during the 4-1 loss at Arsenal.
And the Scot also claims decisions have gone against his side in previous games against the Gunners and Premier League champions Chelsea.
Coyle said: “Last year we all know what happened here, we were 2-1 up when Mark Davies was fouled by Mr (William) Gallas, Arsenal equalised while he was lying injured and made it two each, then we went on to lose the game.
“I remember we went to Chelsea late on last season, there were two stonewall penalties denied us and we lost 1-0.
“We came to Arsenal again, and there was another big moment. So maybe when the smaller clubs come to the elite clubs, they don’t get the rub of the green.”
And while accepting officials do have a difficult and “thankless” task, Coyle maintains they must ensure they “get the big decisions right”.
He added: “It was such a glaring foul on the edge of the box and the assistant, has he abdicated responsibility? I don’t know – but they were both in good positions to see it.”