SAM Allardyce has been told controversial referee Mike Riley was carefully vetted before taking charge of Saturday's Reebok basement battle with West Brom.

The Wanderers' boss criticised the appointment of the Leeds official after seeing Bruno N'Gotty sent off after just 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw.

He said referees' chief Philip Don was wrong to put Mr Riley in charge of such a crucial fixture less than a year after he sent off three players, including Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth, in the 2-2 draw with Leicester at the Reebok last December.

Riley was jeered by Bolton fans in the warm-up, booed repeatedly through the game and was escorted off the pitch by police at half-time and full time. However, the Professional Game Board Match Officials have responded to Allardyce's criticisms, explaining they had taken an objective view before appointing him.

In a brief statement, they said: "Careful consideration is given to selecting referees for all games.

"Referees' performances are continually monitored and an objective view is taken in all appointments."

Allardyce has reviewed the N'Gotty flashpoint in which the French defender was accused of using his elbow on Albion striker Jason Roberts and has decided Wanderers will appeal to the Football Association for the red card to be rescinded.

After looking in detail at video footage, the manager said: "We believe the sending off was very harsh indeed."