Paul Jewell has defended his comments regarding match official Amy Fearn following accusations of sexism.

The Ipswich Town boss has been criticised for venting his anger following Fearn's refusal to award the Championship side with a penalty during the side's 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City last night.

"I absolutely refute suggestions that my comments were made in a sexist way," Jewell told the club's website. "The opening line from a journalist at the start of the press conference was 'I think everyone to a man thought that was a penalty and I responded by saying 'but not to a woman', meaning the official that was on that side and didn't give the decision.

"I didn't suggest in any way that the official made a mistake because she was a woman. I don't think what I said was sexist and will argue all day long with anyone that says it is."

While the former Wigan Athletic boss has sparked controversy with his comments, the 47-year-old has no regrets over what was said.

"I have listened to the tape recording of the press conference and I've no problems with what I said," he added. "The comments have been taken out of context, which is disappointing but that seems to be the world we live in now.

"I'm not expecting any comeback from the authorities and would be disappointed if there are but if that arrives, I will defend it vehemently and will have the full support of the club in doing that."

Ipswich currently sit three points above the drop zone.