Corry Evans has described the penalty awarded against him as "disgraceful" as Northern Ireland succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their World Cup playoff with Switzerland.

In Thursday's clash in Belfast, the midfielder was controversially adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, allowing Ricardo Rodriguez the chance to give Switzerland the advantage at half time in the tie.

Evans also picked up a booking, meaning that a one-match suspension will need to be served for the second leg, and the Blackburn Rovers player has admitted that he is "absolutely gutted" with the double blow.

The 27-year-old is quoted by The Guardian as saying: "It was disgraceful. I clearly didn't put my hand up. It hit me on the back of the shoulder and I'm absolutely gutted.

"He's booked me as well, which means I'm out of the second leg as well, which is devastating."

The reverse fixture takes place in Basel on Sunday evening.