Gary Jones blasted referee Brendan Malone as a “homer” after he rejected a series of City penalty appeals at Chesterfield.

A stoppage-time equaliser denied the Bantams, who remain a point clear in the final League Two play-off spot with three games to go.

But Phil Parkinson and his side were furious with the performance of the Swindon official, which the City boss branded as “unacceptable”.

Skipper Jones said: “I think he was a bit of a homer, to say the least. We could have had a few penalties.

“But you get some referees these days that don’t give blatant decisions. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is.”

The most contentious call came when Chesterfield defender Liam Cooper clearly handled a shot from Zavon Hines in front of his goal. Malone was close to the incident but awarded nothing.

Parkinson said: “How the handball was not given is an absolute disgrace.

“The ref will probably say that he’s unsighted but there are four officials and they are all miked up. I can’t believe that someone didn’t see it.

“If we’d had a better referee, we would have got at least two penalties. How he performed was unacceptable.”

City, backed by a huge away following, twice led through Nahki Wells and Ricky Ravenhill but slack defending allowed Sam Togwell to salvage a draw for Chesterfield in the third minute of added time.

Jones admitted: “To concede like that was absolutely heart-breaking.

“Chesterfield have been on a decent run but I thought we were brilliant second half. We completely dominated.

“It’s a massive disappointment but one lapse of concentration has cost us. It happened against Wimbledon in exactly the same situation.

“It’s very important we see games out. That has cost us the win because we didn’t see it through.

“To have 3,000 Bradford City supporters there was amazing. The atmosphere was just incredible and I know how much it means to the lads.

“The fans are a credit to the club and it’s just disappointing we couldn’t get the win for them.

“But we’re still seventh and it’s still in our hands. We are definitely on the up.”

Andrew Davies and Kyel Reid are both doubtful for tomorrow’s Yorkshire derby with Rotherham at Valley Parade.

Davies pulled up in the pre-match warm-up with a back spasm and Michael Nelson was given a late call-up at centre half.

Reid went off at half-time with a slight groin problem but Parkinson remains optimistic.

He said: “Reidy was struggling with five minutes to go (of the first half) and we left it until half-time. That was it because we can’t take a risk with a player like Kyel.

“The fact he carried on with it for that short while tells me it won’t be anything major but we’ll see.

“Davo’s had a nerve problem in his back which affects his calf but again we don’t think it’s serious.

“But that’s why you need a squad and we’ve used it all season. The ones who came in did well.”