Sheppey United assistant manager Geoff Record says he was booked for sarcasm during 3-0 defeat at Burgess Hill

Sheppey assistant manager Geoff Record feels a lack of dialogue with officials is affecting the enjoyment levels in football.

Record says he was booked for sarcasm during the Ites’ 3-0 defeat at Isthmian South East play-off rivals Burgess Hill on Saturday.

He was shown a yellow card by referee Shelby Elson for his reaction to a free-kick award.

It was one of a number of decisions that frustrated Record, with Elson also awarding the hosts two penalties.

Aiden Prall saved the first in a goalless first half but the second was converted as the visitors slipped to defeat.

“The referee booked me for being sarcastic,” said Record.

“I’ve been booked and sent off for all sorts of things in my playing career but I’ve never been booked for sarcasm.

“He gave another baffling decision, that’s the only word I can use.

“I applauded and said, ‘well done, ref’ so I suppose that was being sarcastic but to get booked, I don’t understand where the game’s going.

“The relationships between players and refs and managers and refs, I find a little bit sad these days because in my era you could have a proper debate with them but now you can’t.

“It makes it unenjoyable all round because players are mystified by some of the decisions but you daren’t say anything and if you do, you’re in the book.

“I’ve given football pretty much my life, really, as a player, manager and coach, and it’s not the same sport now.

“That’s what disappoints me.

“That’s not to take anything away from Burgess Hill’s win.

“They’re a dangerous side and it was a good win for them.

“We’ve got to take that on the chin and move on.”

Having got to half-time at 0-0, Sheppey undid all their good work by conceding within 30 seconds of the restart, Reggie Ward the scorer.

Alex Brewer