PHIL Parkinson lashed out at former club Bradford City for “play-acting” during a tense goalless draw at the Macron.

Facing the Bantams for the first time since quitting Valley Parade in the summer to join Wanderers, Parkinson was pleased with a solid, if unspectacular point, and a first clean sheet since the opening day of the season.

But the Bolton boss took issue with some of Bradford’s gamesmanship, in particular an incident with Josh Cullen in the first half which resulted in a yellow card for the Whites’ midfielder.

Bradford winger Mark Marshall was also booked for diving in the final moments as he looked for a penalty under a challenge from Lewis Buxton.

“I thought they were throwing themselves to the floor a bit too much for my liking right from the start,” Parkinson said after the final whistle.

“It is a difficult one as a manager because there is a lot of professional respect out on the pitch.

“Every time there was a foul there was a theatrical roll on the floor. I just felt it was over the top and no need for that with the kind of spirit the game was played in.”

City boss Stuart McCall denied Parkinson’s accusations – and claimed his players were harshly treated.

“That’s hugely unfair,” he insisted after his team’s fifth straight League One draw. “There wasn’t any play acting.

“We don’t want to play act or waste time. We came here to win the game.”

On Marshall’s penalty appeal, he added: “I would have to see it again but he is adamant that is a penalty kick. He didn’t dive,” added McCall.

“There were some meaty challenges and we were on the end of a few. For the likes of Josh Cullen to carry on like he did with the treatment he got was testament to the kid’s bravery and desire.”