BRADFORD City manager Mark Hughes stated Swindon Town were “lucky” to be awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the pair's 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

With the Bantams leading 1-0 as a minimum of five extra minutes were added to the second half, Jacob Wakeling attempted a cross into the penalty area in the corner where the travelling supporters were housed.

Almost immediately after the ball had struck City defender Brad Halliday, referee Jeremy Simpson pointed to the spot amid passionate calls for handball from Town players and fans alike.

Luke Jephcott punished Bradford at the second attempt after Harry Lewis had kept out the Swindon substitute's tame spot-kick.

MATCH REPORT: Jephcott rescues a point for Swindon away at Bradford.

REACTION: Lindsey felt point was "the least" Town deserved.

Replays show the handball decision may have been harsh on the Bantams’ right-back, and Hughes pulled no punches in his assessment of the game’s main talking point.

Speaking to the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, Hughes said: “I don’t think it’s a penalty. It’s hit Brad (Halliday) high up on the arm and his arm’s not away from his body.

“It’s not a handball. The referee can’t see it either, he’s about 20 yards away with three or four people between him and Brad.

“There’s no way he can make a definite decision. He’s basically reacted to the Swindon fans and the players around him. He needs to be stronger and just referee what he’s actually seen.

“If it was in the opposite corner, it wouldn’t have been given. Nobody would have felt it was a penalty.

“It was where it was on the pitch. They were able to shout more in hope than real confidence that it was going to be given. They’ve got lucky and the referee’s bought that.”