While not quite claiming a conspiracy, Roy Keane drew attention yesterday to the “unnatural” refereeing decisions that the Sunderland manager believes have cost his team points in their battle against relegation. Could he now be suffering for the sins of his playing career? “I’m not that paranoid,” he said. “Yet.”

Having done his utmost to restrain himself since his move to the dugout – as Manchester United captain he earned a reputation for harrying officials – Keane has grown frustrated with his club’s alleged treatment.

Having written of his concern in his programme notes last weekend – “I’m starting to wonder if it’s more than coincidence,” he said – the Irishman has elaborated.

He points to potential winning goals against Aston Villa and Derby County being disallowed, a late goal for Reading that did not cross the line denying Sunderland a draw and a harsh penalty award at Ewood Park that presented Blackburn Rovers with a win. “I’m very tempted to register an official complaint,” Keane said.

According to Keane, some adages are being undermined. “Don’t fall for this nonsense that things will even themselves out over a season,” he said. “There’s no way anything can be evened out for us. We’re not getting the rub of the green against any club, not just the big four, and it worries me. Even our youth team had a good goal ruled out in the last minute this week.

“I look at the decisions we’ve had and some have been amazing. I can get my head round ones where it was 50-50, but we’ve had decisions go against us where I’m left going, ‘Where has that come from?’ You can’t keep blaming referees for football results all the time, but all we’re asking for is fairness and this football club is not getting it.”