Gabriel Calderon blasts referee

Real Betis boss Gabriel Calderon has blasted the performance of referee Jesus Gil in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in Seville.

La Liga's basement side had two players sent off – Damien Perquis and Lolo Reyes – in the loss, while they conceded a spot kick moments after having a strong penalty appeal of their own turned down.

"I want some respect for a club that's over 100 years old," he told reporters. "There were clear errors here today, by a referee that has prejudice. I will never understand what happened with the referee this afternoon.

"I'm not making excuses for my players. I just want respect for this organisation and this league. We are a club that's a Century old. But we have to deal with disrespect like this. It's a shame because these things impact against Spanish football.

"We have to remain calm, though. We lost with dignity, but when you play with such obvious errors from the referee, it's always going to be difficult."

Betis are 11 points from safety in Spain's top flight.