Reading FC interim boss Paul Ince believes a ‘diabolical’ refereeing performance cost his side at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals went ahead through a Lucas Joao header, only to be pegged back on the hour by Alfie Doughty before Will Vaulks secured the points for the visitors with five minutes to go.
“The whole thing hinged on a diabolical decision by the referee – absolutely pathetic,” said Ince
“Lucas (Joao) has clearly been dragged down and it looks like their player is offside for the second phase of the first goal.
“All you ask is that referee’s do their jobs properly.”
Ince believes his side should have put the game beyond Cardiff in the first half.
“We should have been 3-0 up at half-time,” said Ince.
“Two great chances when we were 1-0 up and could have made the game a lot easier for us.
“We aren’t just talking about chances, we are talking about golden chances.
“We need to be more ruthless.”
Two second-half goals for Cardiff ended the Royals unbeaten run and Ince was disappointed his players didn’t manage the game more efficiently.
He said: “Second half for some reason we decided to drop deep and I’m not sure why.
“We did the same on Tuesday against Stoke and that is where you need your leaders to get you up the park.
“For the second goal we got pulled out of our structure.”
The Royals now look forward to an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Good Friday, April 15, before returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18 to play Swansea City.
