Jeff Stelling and Hartlepool United fans react to controversial red card and 2-0 defeat at Solihull Moors

Pools were controversially reduced to 10-men in the first half as the returning Timi Odusina was shown a straight red card with the score at 0-0.

And goals after the break from Krystian Pearce and James Ball saw The Moors claim victory at Damson Park as the Hartlepool players, fans and coaching staff were left to rue the referee’s decisions.

Here’s what they said on Twitter...

Pools President Jeff Stelling said: “Until the ludicrous sending off even their manager admits we were the best side. The officials were enough to make you weep. Surely, even at this level, there must be better?”

Paul McSweenie commented: “The ref needs to be held accountable for his actions when he gave a penalty then immediately changed it to a free-kick and the red card was horrific.”

Michael Bratt was concerned about fans hounding out Dave Challinor as he tweeted: “Shocking decisions change games but some fans won't see this because they’re clueless. Just want sacking after sacking when we have the best manager we've had in a long time. The fans will drive him out in the end.”

@hallydesigns said: “Unlucky to be up against 12 men tonight. Please can we see Grey and Ofosu start next game.”

@Danthom03 wasn’t impressed as he said: “Magloire made 4/5 identical mistakes. Playing extremely lazy and slow football. 2nd goal entirely on him. Perhaps the worst defensive individual performance I have seen since Critchlow-Noble against Sutton. How can a pro make the same mistake so many times in one game?”

Joe Bolwell questioned the team selection: “Ref was terrible, but still, team selection odd and if Donaldson starts another game, it must be questioned WHY!!!! Performance was slack all round.”

Matty Grocott added: “We got absolutely nothing that game. Bad day all round for us but we were unlucky tonight. Second goal was disappointing and ultimately ruined our chances of getting back into it but it clearly wasn’t our night with that muppet on the whistle.”

Jack Wood concluded: “Very frustrating night taken out of the players’ hands with terrible decisions. Like Dave said nothing will come of it so let’s forget it, 3 points Saturday and happy days.”

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