By Paul Camillin

Gus Poyet tonight refused to apologise, after being sent to the stands by referee Steve Cook during today's 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient.

The Albion boss was still fuming at the final whistle, after a catalogue of errors and a farcical performance from the Surrey official.

Poyet's main cause for complaint was Cook's reluctance to award his side a clear-cut penalty, when striker Liam Dickinson was man-handled in the box by Ben Chorley shortly before half-time.

Poyet said, "I am not going to apologise. There are no excuses for anyone. With all respect to those at the Football League, but if you ask any of the Leyton Orient fans today, they will let you know that was a penalty and a red card.

The referee was ten yards away and did not give it. I don't even need to look at the video. The only excuse that they can offer is that he did not see it. If that's the case, he needs some glasses!

"I got sent off for asking the referee why he did not give it. Yes I got a little but upset. That is my mistake and I will take it, but I am not going to apologise.

"I got sent off and that is not a problem for me; all my life I have taken that responsibility. The referee today did not accept his responsibility."

A second goal for Albion and a red card for Ben Chorley would have put Poyet's side in complete control at the break, but the controversy continued after the interval.

Orient's equaliser came from an indirect free-kick, awarded against Michel Kuipers for handling a backpass.

However, from the resulting kick, referee Cook failed to spot Jason Demetriou, in an offside position, appearing to elbow the Albion keeper, and leaving him sporting a horrendous blackeye.

To add insult to injury, the big Dutchman was booked for protesting to Cook. Poyet added, "Everything today is on the referee because he has made the worst decision of his career."

Meanwhile the Albion boss refused to offer any further comment on the future of Nicky Forster - who was left out of the squad and was not at Brisbane Road this afternoon.

Yesterday the striker told Sky Sports News and the Argus he had asked to be put on the transfer list, but Poyet said, "There is not too much to clarify as everything was in the press yesterday. 

"I don't want to talk about Nicky Forster, I want to talk about the players that were here today and who really care about this football club."

Forster was replaced in the side by Liam Dickinson, and Poyet added, "He gave everything. I asked him to keep playing his game and to keep trying to find a goal. He worked very hard and I am pleased with his performance."