NEWPORT County AFC face a Friday reunion with the referee who controversially denied them a penalty and gave one to Morecambe in the agonising play-off final defeat at Wembley.

Former Premier League official Bobby Madley will be in charge of the League Two game at Barrow (kick-off 7.45pm).

The referee enraged County in May when he failed to give a penalty in the first half when Scot Bennett was clattered in the head by Morecambe goalkeeper Kyle Letheren in the box after the midfielder had flicked on a long throw.

It got worse.

South Wales Argus: ANGRY: County can't believe Bobby Madley has given a penalty to MorecambeANGRY: County can't believe Bobby Madley has given a penalty to Morecambe

Madley pointed to the spot in the second half of extra time when Ryan Haynes was adjudged to have fouled John O’Sullivan, although replays showed that it was a theatrical fall after contact started outside the box.

Carlos Mendes Gomes ensured that the Shrimps are currently enjoying a League One campaign while the Exiles remain in the fourth tier.

“We should have had a penalty in the first half, 100 per cent,” said Flynn at Wembley.

“I've watched it about three times just to make sure what I was saying in the press is right and it's not clutching at straws.”

On Morecambe’s penalty, he said: “I am somebody who is always honest and that was a hideous decision from the referee. If it was a foul then it was outside the box, but I'm not even sure it was a foul.

“It was a terrible decision and it looked like he couldn't wait to give it.”

Just like against Tranmere in 2019, Flynn was left to lament the lack of video assistance for the officials in the EFL play-offs.

“It's ludicrous how VAR is not in. It's probably the best stadium in the world and there is so much riding on it,” he said.

Madley was also in charge of County’s 4-2 loss to Oldham Athletic at Rodney Parade in December 2020.