PHIL PARKINSON described it as a "joke" not to overturn Ryan Barnett's red card.

The Wrexham wing-back was sent off by referee Lee Swabey in the 36th minute of Saturday's League Two 3-3 home draw against Crewe Alexandra following a late challenge on Shillow Tracey.

Parkinson didn't feel it warranted a dismissal by Swabey, who made a number of controversial decisions during the derby clash, but the appeal was unsuccessful and Barnett began a three-match suspension on Tuesday night when Wrexham drew 0-0 with Mansfield Town at Field Mill.

The Reds' boss was disappointed with the outcome.

"We looked at the incident very closely, we slowed it down," said Parkinson.

"The lad from Crewe made contact with Barney and how the people sat on the panel haven't overturned that is just a joke.

"I honestly felt looking at it and what we sent to the referees that we would get off it.

"Apparently it was a two-to-one decision from the three men on the panel but I would love to have the opportunity to sit down with the two and say 'let me watch it with you, how have you decided that?'

"It is like the VAR people looking at an incident and still getting it wrong.

"They have had plenty of time to look at it and to still get it wrong is really disappointing for Barney, but we move on."

With Anthony Forde missing at Mansfield through injury, Jacob Mendy was used as a makeshift right wing-back.

Mendy is more at home on the left flank but Parkinson felt he grew into the game.

"The frustrating thing for us is that Fordey has got a little injury as well so we have had to adapt a little bit," added Parkinson.

"Jacob grew into that right wing-back position.

"He has played there before when he was at Wealdstone but it does take a little bit of time to adapt."