Wayne Rooney
Derby would be 16th in the table but for points deductions

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney claimed that no one wants them in the Championship next season.

The refs in south Wales were criticized by the former England forward.

The Rams are eight points from safety after the loss.

Is the situation we are in making decisions against us? Rooney told the radio station that he needs to ask that question.

  • Rams to name preferred bidder 'shortly'

The Rams have lost their last three Championship games and four of the last five to leave them facing the prospect of being demoted.

The future of the club is uncertain as administrators Quantuma have yet to satisfy the English Football League about funding for the rest of the season, or name a preferred bidder to take over the club.

I felt theReferee decisions were not good enough. Rooney said that the fourth official had a lack of respect in how he spoke to you.

No one wants us in the Championship next season. It has been clear all season. We have had our punishment, but I think the real punishment is League One.

We have exceeded a lot of people's expectations and it has caused issues.

Rooney said that his players were frustrated by some of the decisions that went against them.

I need to ask questions because they deserve more protection than they are getting.

Football is a cruel game. If we can keep the players, the future for this club on the pitch is bright. It's a different matter off the pitch.

We are showing a real maturity, a style and identity of football which is hard for teams to play against, and to come to Cardiff and really dominate the game is a big thing.

The team immediately above them in the table will be Derby on Saturday.

It is not over. Rooney said that it was a difficult task, but they would keep working and try to pick up points.

Around the BBC - SoundsAround the BBC footer - Sounds