Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed his sympathy for referee Ben Speedie, following the Chairboys’ 0-0 draw at Portsmouth.

Midway through the second period, Pompey’s George Hirst and Wanderers’ Ryan Tafazolli tussled when the former was running through on goal.

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No foul was given much to the anger of the Portsmouth fans and bench, which resulted in the home side’s manager, Danny Cowley, being booked for his protest.

He and Ainsworth also had several chats on the touchline during the stalemate.

The Wycombe boss explained: “I would never come to blows with Danny!

“He is a top guy, and it’s a tough job for a referee and I think they [Tafazolli and Hirst] were grabbing each other.

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“I also thought he was offside in the initial build up, but I could jump around and say that someone should have been sent off for smashing Sam Vokes in the back of the head, but I won’t.

“I used to when I was younger but I know that these refs have got a tough job.

“Danny Cowley is a good manager as his team are very organised and tough to beat.”

The match was Speedie’s second in charge of Wycombe this season.

The first was the 5-0 home defeat against Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy back in November.