Bradford City's Mark Hughes on Carlisle United boss's referee comments

Simpson described Ross Joyce as a “homer” as he felt the official’s decisions were often to Bradford’s benefit in the play-off clash at Valley Parade.

Carlisle’s boss stressed that he was not accusing Joyce of deliberately favouring United’s semi-final opponents.

But opposite number Hughes said the Blues manager’s remarks still crossed a line.

“I was surprised by the comments,” said Hughes to the Telegraph & Argus today.

“Paul’s an experienced manager and I thought what he said did question the integrity of the officials and that’s a ‘no-no’.

“You can always question their performance because sometimes it’s valid criticism. But questioning the integrity is a path I try and avoid.

• Simpson brands referee 'homer' after first leg defeat

“I haven’t heard anything. I don’t know if he’s been pulled up on it.

“But it was a bit of a surprise really that he came out with that. It’s an emotional game and perhaps that overtook him.

“Maybe he’s had a slap on the wrist, I don’t know. If it had been me, I’d have got fined.”

Simon Mather is the referee for Saturday's second leg.

Hughes, meanwhile, has tried to put the pressure on Carlisle by suggesting Bradford are more accustomed to the sort of atmosphere expected in Saturday's second leg at Brunton Park.

First leg ref Ross Joyce (Image: Richard Parkes)

The Bradford boss responded to Simpson’s suggestion that the tie is now “theirs [Bradford’s] to lose”.

Hughes said: “Paul has admitted they were very nervous in the opening period. That was as a consequence of the stage and the atmosphere.

“It will be replicated, obviously not to the same extent, but they are going to have a big crowd again.

“They are going to have to deal with that. That’s what we’re used to week in, week out so it won’t faze us.

“There’s absolutely no pressure on us, in my view, because we’re on the front foot.

“We’re in a good frame of mind leading into the game because we’re off the back of a win.

“I don’t know if there are mind games going on, there certainly aren’t from our point of view, we’re just confident in our own ability. It’s going to be a great football match.”