Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has criticised referee Keith Stroud after his mistake cost the Bluebirds their game against Birmingham City in the Championship this evening.

Stroud awarded a penalty against Matt Connolly for handball in first-half stoppage time at St Andrew's, despite the ball clearly striking the Cardiff defender in the face.

Paul Caddis's subsequent spot kick proved to be the only goal of the game as Birmingham ended a five-match losing streak, and Slade admitted afterwards that he let the official know what he thought of the decision at half time.

"I did have words with him at half time and told him he got it wrong. With technology we knew pretty quickly he made a huge mistake," Slade told reporters.

"I'm not quite sure why, there were no players obstructing his view, he had a fantastic view of the situation. We're all very hurt because we care.

"The result means something to us. It's just so disappointing when a huge error gifted Birmingham an opportunity to score the first goal."

The defeat sees Cardiff drop below their opponents down to eighth in the Championship table, still one point outside the playoff places.