Frustrated Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth lamented a string of decisions which went against his side during their 3-1 defeat at Peterborough.
Captain John Marquis was sent off after 13 seconds for an elbow on Sam Hughes, equalling the fastest red card from the start of a game in English professional football.
The dismissal matches the record set by former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman in 2000 for handling outside the area.
Ainsworth also believed the ball went out of play in the build up to Tayo Edun’s opener, scored direct from a corner, and George Lloyd should have been awarded another penalty.
Mal Benning equalised from the spot before Malik Mothersille restored the hosts’ lead and Chris Conn-Clarke scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time as Peterborough eased their relegation fears by moving four points clear.
After seeing his side return to the foot of the table, Ainsworth said: “There’s never a dull moment is there?
“John’s devastated in the dressing room to be sent off.
“In my opinion, and it’s only my opinion, there were a few decisions out of our control which dictated the game.
“First of all, I don’t think it was a red card early on.
“I think John has tried to put his arm across the centre halve rather than leading with his arm and trying to whack the centre halve. That’s two different things.
“You’ve got to use your common sense and say ‘it’s a bit dangerous mate and it’s a yellow card’. Not a straight red.
“All the fans are baying for it. The bench is up in arms, it’s hard for the referee, but come on.
“Just before their corner when they score the ball is unbelievably out of play. I don’t think the assistant is quick enough to see it. That goes against us.
“After we get one penalty, you’re allowed to give two penalties. There’s a blatant penalty on George Lloyd as he goes through.
“It’s not even a corner and the ref gives us a corner. It’s either a goal kick or a penalty. It’s just going against us.
“I’m really proud again with the never-ending support from the fans for my players on the pitch.”
Posh, who reached the EFL Trophy final at Wembley by beating Wrexham in midweek, secured their second straight league win.
Boss Darren Ferguson said: “It’s a massive win for us. It’s the most important game of the week and we managed to win it. It’s capped off a good week.
“We deserved the win. We just didn’t finish them off as quickly as everyone would have liked.
“I thought they made us nervous and they made us edgy because of the way they sat in.
“I think it’s a first time for everyone where the first action results in a red card. John’s gone up to challenge and the referee made his mind up quick. I’d have to see it back.
“It was a poor error to let them back in the game. They made it difficult because of the way they hung in the game and we didn’t put them away.
“Whether you think the performance is good enough or not doesn’t matter. We’ve won and that’s all that matters.
“We made it difficult for ourselves. We missed so many chances. That was the problem in the second half, the game should have been over.”
Meanwhile, Peterborough issued a statement on social media following an incident at the game.
Peterborough said on X: “We are aware of an arrest in the GH Display Stand this afternoon following an allegation of racial abuse towards a member of staff.
“On conclusion of the police investigation we will take appropriate action.
“Peterborough United does not condone any form of abuse.”
