Ian Evatt admits Blackpool’s successful appeal against George Honeyman’s weekend red card has left him with a mixture of vindication and frustration.

The Seasiders’ skipper was sent off by referee Lewis Sandoe for violent conduct six minutes into last Saturday’s League One game at Cambridge United.

A late goal saw Evatt’s players beaten 1-0, after which the head coach said an appeal would be lodged against Honeyman’s dismissal.

It was subsequently confirmed on Tuesday that the club won its appeal, making the 32-year-old available for Saturday’s trip to Leyton Orient as Blackpool look for a first league win in six.

Speaking before training on Thursday about having Honeyman available, Evatt said: “Obviously it’s positive, it carries a sense of frustration as well.

“It’s been rescinded and we’ve got him available but we don’t get the points back, we don’t play the game again.

“It’s a poor decision, a poor performance from the ref. I don’t like to criticise refs, I know it’s a difficult job, but that decision so early in the game shapes the game and made it incredibly difficult for us.

“We had a good idea it would be overturned. Throughout the course of the game, it seemed he got a lot wrong against us.

“We’ve had no apology from the ref himself or any feedback, just it was a wrong decision.”

Asked what could be done to improve the standard of refereeing, the Bloomfield Road boss highlighted what he believed to be the difference when it comes to officiating in the Premier League and the EFL.

Evatt said: “For me, it’s backwards. The best refs at the top of the game get the most support.

“The Premier League has got the best support and the best refs.

“Lower down, it would be amazing to see how many games are dictated by refereeing decisions.”