SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Bond has received an apology following referee Ross Joyce’s dismal display at Walsall last week.

Joyce awarded the Saddlers a soft stoppage time penalty in the 1-1 draw and angered the Shrimpers with a number of bizarre decisions inlcuding a disallowed goal on the stroke of half-time.

Joyce also appeared to show Southend defender John White two yellow cards without sending him off.

And Bond has since held talks with the powers that be.

"I had a conversation with the referee’s association and they were very apologetic about the incidents that cost us so dear, " said Bond.

"They were very sorry and recognised they were the wrong decisions."

Joyce has not been allocated a game this weekend.