Boss says professionalism is key after seeing Finney break his leg in a tackle and Murph just about avoid serious injury.

David Artell says that key decisions made by referees can cost managers their jobs. The Alex boss was incensed that Frankie Kent escaped a red card for what he described as a ‘horrific’ challenge on Luke Murphy just days after midfielder, Oli Finney, had broken his leg in a challenge at Shrewsbury.

The Alex boss also recalls a challenge on Ryan Wintle by Fleetwood’s Jordan Rossiter on Boxing Day that the midfielder did well to avoid.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I’ve said it for a long time now that in my opinion the problem remains that the referees in the EFL are not professional. The professional game is run by amateurs out on the pitch and that isn’t being disrespectful, that is the fact.

“At the end of the day, they are from all walks of life and on a Saturday they referee a professional football match. It is a tough job but them missing key decisions does cost people their jobs.

“I know people will say that is David Artell having a moan again and being dramatic but until they have sat in my chair and been a manager then they can’t say any different.

“We have seen two horrific challenges in the last two games. One broke a leg and the other would have done if Luke (Murphy) was not experienced enough to get out of the way of it. That cannot happen because it is endangering players and I made that clear after the game.

“If red cards are not given out for challenges like that then we create a problem. That deterrent has to be there.

“I think that is down to them not being professional in the EFL and not understanding the game as well as they might but until the FA, the clubs or the leagues pay for them to be professional then we will get tackles like we have seen in the last two games.”