Paul Lambert hits out at referee Mike Dean

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has hit out at the performance of referee Mike Dean during his side's defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.

Steve Sidwell gave the hosts the lead at Craven Cottage on Sunday before a Dimitar Berbatov penalty sealed a 2-0 victory for the strugglers.

Despite admitting that his side would have been fortunate to have won the match, Lambert believes that a "poor" display from the referee did not help Villa's cause.

"We never deserved to win the game but I'm disappointed at some of the decisions," BBC Sport quotes the Scot as saying.

"I thought referee Mike Dean's performance was poor. I still don't think we did enough to win the game.

"We never got going but couldn't fault the lads for effort. I'm honest enough to feel we didn't deserve to win."

Villa continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday when they play host to Manchester United.