Derby County manager Gary Rowett denied accusations that he put two fingers up at Nottingham Forest supporters at the end of the East Midlands derby.

There were claims on social media that Rowett made the gesture to fans in the Peter Taylor Stand as he walked off at full-time.

But Rowett insisted that was not the case. “No, I didn’t at all. I was trying to get four fingers up to say we’ve taken four points off them this season, for a bit of banter,” he said.

“They were giving me a bit of stick, I gave them a little bit back. There’s no malice involved at all.

“I admire this club. It’s a fantastic club.

“But the reality is I’m Derby manager and I was desperately trying to win the game. There was nothing malicious.”

Rowett however was deadly serious as he accused the referee of being incorrect in his decision to send off Tom Huddlestone.

Huddlestone received his marching orders from Lancashire official Jeremy Simpson for bookings for fouls on Lee Tomlin on 79 and 82 minutes.

“I spoke to the referee at half-time and my biggest frustration was what I felt would happen and was happening,” said Rowett.

“I'm a big admirer of Lee Tomlin – he was just doing what any good number 10 would do, get free kicks in the final third.

“I've got no problem with that. What I have got a problem with is the officials have got to see that.

Kasey Palmer reacts after squandering an opportunity in front of goal (Getty)

“I've watched it again and there's clearly no contact (for the second offence) - it's not a foul.

“For me it just doesn't feel right. It was a big mistake in a big game.

“We can't overturn it because it was two yellows and I find that really stupid.

“The referee just said he thought it was a clear foul and said if it's a clear foul, it has to be a yellow card but that's the point – it wasn't a clear foul.”

Aitor Karanka, the Forest manager, said he thought Tomlin had been targeted by Derby.

“Yes, it's normal because he's a really good player,” he said.

Rowett also had the perfect response to Forest fans chanting his 'trainers are s***'.

“When this level of fashion hits Nottingham in about six months, you’ll probably see about 25,000 people walking around with these type of trainers on,” he joked.

“Until someone opens the door to this type of style they will have to make do with the wellies!”

Derby have now gone seven games without a win, taking just five points out of 21 since they were sitting in second place in the Championship a month ago.

The Rams had all of the chances, but they were foiled by goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.

The Romanian blocked shots from David Nugent and Tom Lawrence, before he fumbled Lawrence's inswinging corner off the line.

Then after the break he denied substitute Kasey Palmer with his legs.