Last Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:10
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has backed Kevin Davies after the Wanderers captain hit out at referee Mark Clattenburg.
Clattenburg was in charge at the weekend as Bolton were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at the Reebok Stadium.
However, Davies scored what he thought was a legitimate headed goal in the closing stages of the game - only for Clattenburg to rule the strike out after he judged Davies had pushed Fulham's towering centre-half Brede Hangeland in the build up.
Davies has since claimed Clattenburg ruled the goal out because of 'something personal' and there are fears the FA may take action against the Bolton man.
However, Coyle has offered Davies his backing and believes it would be unfair if the FA dished out any punishment.
He said: "He certainly shouldn't be reprimanded.
"Kevin is a very honest player. He is a physical player, that's the way he plays the game.
"But he probably gets hit more than anyone else as well. You need a balance.
"He is a terrific captain and a terrific player, who scored a perfectly good goal. It is only right he feels aggrieved.
"If people are going to get into trouble for being honest, it is a sad day."