Bernard Jackman has contacted the Guinness PRO14's elite referee manager over concerns of the standard of officiating during the Dragons' derby defeat to Cardiff Blues.

The Gwent region suffered a narrow 23-15 defeat to the capital outfit at Rodney Parade on Saturday, despite boasting a 12-point lead at one stage.

But Jackman was less than impressed with referee Ian Davies' display in the Welsh derby, describing the official's performance as "poor" and "unacceptable".

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

"The only consistent thing with Ian is his inconsistency," Jackman told the South Wales Argus.

"It was just not acceptable in a match of that magnitude to have such a poor performance.

"That’s nothing against the Blues – they were excellent and deserved their win.

"I knew after the game at the press conference but I wanted people to understand I wasn’t speaking with emotion.

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"I have spent 72 hours thinking about it and have looked at the game over and over again. It was just unacceptable and the players deserve better.

"It’s unfortunate that a big game with a good crowd, a great contest between two good teams, was influenced by some very poor refereeing."

Such was Jackman's fury that the Irishman contacted former Test official Greg Garner - the league's elite referee manager - to voice his concerns over Davies' performance.

"I sent my report on Monday," he added.

(Image: photosbymarklewis.com)

"I have learnt over the last year and a half that going through the proper channels is great, and Greg is brilliant, but the message doesn’t seem to get back to the officials.

"Poor referees are allowed to be poor every week. That’s not good for the PRO14, which is a great competition.

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"I know Greg is driving hard, but they need to do more, and do more quicker."

The Dragons are back in action this weekend as they take on Romanian outfit Timisoara Saracens in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.