Steve McClaren hits out at referee after Wolverhampton Wanderers defeat

Derby County manager Steve McClaren has hit out at referee Keith Stroud after their defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux that put his side's title hopes into question.

Tom Ince was disallowed a goal during their 2-0 loss to Wolves, with the incident coming in the first half while the score remained at 0-0.

The Derby manager feels that Danny Batth should have received a red card in the build-up to the disallowed goal, but Stroud pulled play back for a free kick.

"We have set a standard at this club in terms how we treat officials and we have been very humble but I'm finding it very difficult to keep that up," the 53-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"I have not seen that in my years in football, something so black and white and so blatant. It is very difficult to keep our cool.

"On this occasion all I can say is he was totally wrong and once he looks at the video he will realise that. It's unbelievable the player didn't get a yellow card, a red card or the goal didn't stand. It's one which changed the game."

The Rams are without a win in six games now, and the former England manager is five points off of the top of the Championship.