Cardiff City denied 'stonewall' penalty, says Malky Mackay

Manager Malky Mackay claimed Cardiff were denied a certain penalty in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.

Having drawn level from the spot in the 72nd minute, Cardiff appealed for another penalty five minutes later when Kevin McNaughton fell in the box.

Mackay said the referee failed to show enough strength of character to award a second spot kick.

"A stonewall penalty. I've looked at it again and Kevin was taken out after playing the ball in the box," he said.

"If that challenge had been five yards outside of the box [the referee] would have given a free-kick.

"Maybe the pressure of what happened five minutes before with the amount of [Ipswich] players surrounding the referee and linesman stopped him from giving that one."

Referee Dean Whitestone consulted his assistant for several seconds before awarding Cardiff a penalty for handball against Carlos Edwards.

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell felt the decision was wrong, which effectively denied his side a fourth win in five games.

"The linesman gave a corner and the referee didn't give anything and, after a massive confusion and howls of penalty shouts from Cardiff's players and supporters, he somehow came to point to the spot," said Jewell.

"I think Robert Earnshaw has kicked the ball against him [Edwards] from a yard away so to give handball for that is a ridiculous decision

"If the opposition score a great goal then fine and you take your hat off to them, but I'm irked that we didn't get three points."

Rudy Gestede had given an early lead at Cardiff City Stadium before the visitors hit back through Jason Scotland and Michael Chopra either side of the break.

Former Bluebirds striker Chopra was given a warm welcome on his return to the Welsh capital and he said: "I was very pleased with that

"I've got a lot of time for the fans, I got on well with them.

"The games I played [for Cardiff] I always gave 100% and I'll continue to do that to whatever club I play for."