'˜We've got to play with the same size ball' warns Robbo

MK Dons midfielder Samir Carruthers leads the appeal for a penalty during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Milton Keynes Dons at the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove, England on 7 November 2015. Photo by Bennett Dean. PSI-1119-0028

While fans often loath seeing players surrounding referees, and chastise players for throwing themselves to the ground in a bid to win a penalty, Dons boss Karl Robinson feels his side may have to ‘play the game’ a bit more to level out the playing field.

In the aftermath of the 3-1 defeat against Bolton in January, Robinson said referee Kevin Wright was heard telling his players Jonny WIlliams didn’t win a penalty, despite being fouled in the area, because he stayed on his feet.

And given that, Robinson feels his side may need to approach games differently.

“Our game understanding has to change a bit,” he said. “What I saw on Saturday was players surround the referee, Bristol City players constantly in his ear. There’s a lot more game understanding, and maybe we should start doing that ourselves.

“We don’t want to be seen doing that. We’re realising it’s part of the game. Maybe we have to use these unfamiliar tactics.

“If you can’t beat them and the referees can’t be strong enough, we’ve got to play with the same size ball.”