Sheppey assistant manager Geoff Record feels a lack of dialogue with officials is affecting the enjoyment levels in football.

Record says he was booked for sarcasm during the Ites’ 3-0 defeat at Isthmian South East play-off rivals Burgess Hill on Saturday.

He was shown a yellow card by referee Shelby Elson for his reaction to a free-kick award.

It was one of a number of decisions that frustrated Record, with Elson also awarding the hosts two penalties.

Aiden Prall saved the first in a goalless first half but the second was converted as the visitors slipped to defeat.

“The referee booked me for being sarcastic,” said Record.

“I’ve been booked and sent off for all sorts of things in my playing career but I’ve never been booked for sarcasm.

“He gave another baffling decision, that’s the only word I can use.

“I applauded and said, ‘well done, ref’ so I suppose that was being sarcastic but to get booked, I don’t understand where the game’s going.

“The relationships between players and refs and managers and refs, I find a little bit sad these days because in my era you could have a proper debate with them but now you can’t.

“It makes it unenjoyable all round because players are mystified by some of the decisions but you daren’t say anything and if you do, you’re in the book.

“I’ve given football pretty much my life, really, as a player, manager and coach, and it’s not the same sport now.

“That’s what disappoints me.

“That’s not to take anything away from Burgess Hill’s win.

“They’re a dangerous side and it was a good win for them.

“We’ve got to take that on the chin and move on.”

Having got to half-time at 0-0, Sheppey undid all their good work by conceding within 30 seconds of the restart, Reggie Ward the scorer.

Alex Brewer doubled the lead from the penalty spot and Brannon O’Neill’s cracker completed the scoring before the hour mark.

“Before we even went there, I said it was going to be a tough game and it certainly was,” said Record.

“We said we wanted to be in the game at half-time and although we didn’t have too many chances, we took their pressure quite well.

“But I haven’t seen a goal as quick as that at the start of the second half in a long time.

“They put a long ball on us from the kick-off, we’ve made a mistake at the back not picking up and we’re 1-0 down.

“The second is a penalty against Sam Itauma, for handball, although I don’t know what he’s supposed to do when someone gets a shot off from two yards away and it hits him on the hand. I don’t understand that rule.

“The third goal, Brannon O’Neill picked it up and ran at us, he went inside and cracked a shot in the top corner from outside the box.”

Sheppey introduced ex-Derby youngster Jahmal Hector-Ingram midway through the second half.

He made several appearances for the Rams a few years ago before ending up in non-league.

The forward had a spell at Hythe earlier this season before turning out for Sheppey Sports and then the Ites.

“It’s been difficult for him because he’s lost a bit of fitness from a year or so ago,” said Record.

“He’s got a bit of a background and there’s a player in there if he can get a little bit fitter.”

Sheppey, who are seventh, meet bottom side Phoenix Sports at Holm Park this Saturday (3pm).

“They’ve signed a load of players and they’ll be making a big effort to get out of that relegation zone,” said Record.

“We’ll have to play well to beat them.”