West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has criticised referee Anthony Taylor for sending off striker Carlton Cole and changing the game at Upton Park.

Cole had earlier put the Hammers in front with a superb low effort before Everton slowly worked their way back into the game and brought the game level just after half time.

The former England striker was then sent off for a ‘high foot’ with the score at 1-1 in a decision that seemed to change the game in the visitors’ favour and infuriate the West Ham bench, players and supporters.

Everton went on to win the game, but Allardyce piled the criticism on the official and claimed his consistency had ruined the game.

West Ham have confirmed that they will appeal the red card, but that is no conciliation for Allardyce who admitted he was bitterly disappointed with the lack of consistency shown by the referee.

“The sending off has changed the game dramatically,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.

“After 32 minutes Victor Anichebe has done exactly the same thing on James Collins as Carlton has done on Leighton and one is shown nothing and the other is a straight red.

“That for me is the inconsistency we have had and that makes me bitterly disappointed with the decision of the referee to send Carlton off.”