Eddie Howe criticises referee over late Derby County free kick

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has criticised referee Mark Heywood for his decision to award Derby County a free kick at the end of their Championship clash, which handed the Rams a 1-0 victory at Pride Park.

The official ruled that Cherries skipper Tommy Elphick had brought down Derby midfielder Will Hughes on the edge of the penalty area, with top scorer Chris Martin subsequently firing home the winning goal with five minutes to play.

Howe, who was also left frustrated by a host of missed Cherries chances in the first half, was adamant that Elphick had won the ball cleanly.

The 36-year-old told reporters after the game: "We felt hard done by over the goal and how it came about, but that was life for us today. My immediate reaction was that it wasn't [a free kick]. I thought Tommy took the ball and his reaction spoke volumes for me.

"The referee has had to make a quick decision, it has gone against us and the lad has stuck in the top corner. I had a good view, it was on my side and I thought Tommy took the ball."

Bournemouth currently occupy 17th place in the Championship.