Slavisa Jokanovic described referee Lee Probert as a heartbreaker who played with Watford fans’ emotions against Sheffield Wednesday, adding: “I remember him from Bournemouth.”

The Hornets led the Owls 1-0 and were on the verge of winning the Championship title when the visitors to Vicarage Road were awarded a 90th minute free-kick.

It was swung into the Golden Boys’ penalty box and Atdhe Nuhiu challenged for the ball. Troy Deeney headed clear only for the ball to be played back into the Hornets’ box.

It landed at the feet of Nuhiu and his half volley bounced over Heurelho Gomes and into the net.

It ended Watford’s hopes of winning the title. The game ended 1-1 and Bournemouth’s win at Charlton Athletic ensured they finished in top spot.

Jokanovic was disappointed to have missed out on the chance of lifting the Championship trophy but was more frustrated with Probert.

He said: “We made mistakes during the game but the referee did as well. We had a clear penalty [in the first half, when Deeney was brought down] and then Nuhiu [in the build up to Wednesday’s equaliser] was offside, 100 per cent. I am sure what I speak.

“So that is a big mistake. The referee is a heartbreaker; I remember him from Bournemouth. But it is just another part of a very exciting Championship.

“The referee made a mistake. In front of our goal we didn’t make any mistakes but in front of Sheffield’s goal we didn’t play with patience. We had many chances but didn’t score.

“It has been a great season but one guy has played with so many fans’ sentiments in this stadium. That is not acceptable.

“This is the land of gentlemen and I must speak what I believe is true.”

He added: “If I know the rules, he was offside. If the rules are different in the Championship then I am wrong.

“So it is a bad game. It is my opinion and I could be wrong. I have to be honest though and say what I think.”

The Hornets created several clear-cut chances throughout the game but only Matej Vydra found the net.

Almen Abdi was guilty of missing three good opportunities while Chris Kirkland in the Wednesday goal produced several good stops.

“We scored only one goal but had many more chances that we normally would have scored, especially in the first half,” Jokanovic said.

“I don’t remember if they had another shot on target until they scored. That is part of football though and part of the Championship.

“If you include the referee we are doubly unhappy with that situation. But it is life, we will stay strong.”

Jokanovic was frustrated to miss out on the title but stressed he was happy to have achieved automatic promotion, the club’s target for this season.

He added: “We are a little disappointed because we didn’t lift the trophy, which was our dream.

“Now we must look at what is in front of us. We will be in a very difficult competition next season. We will play in one of the most quality leagues in the world.

“We will have pre-season but it is time to start working now to build a team that will be ready to fight and be competitive in the Premier League.”