Chester FC boss Jon McCarthy revealed his frustration after former Blues player John Rooney avoided a red card in Saturday's 0-0 derby draw at the Racecourse.

Rooney was lucky not to see a straight red late in the first half after he recklessly lunged two footed into winger Craig Mahon, leaving the Irishman writhing in agony.

Referee Martin Coy opted to show Rooney just a yellow card with the travelling Blues fans unhappy not to see the midfielder, who signed for Wrexham from Chester in a controversial move over the summer, walk for his actions.

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The challenge was shown from a number of angles owing to BT Sport screening the game live and Rooney can consider himself fortunate not to have received his marching orders.

"I think it was a sending off," said McCarthy.

"We've seen him do it for us in the past and now we've seen him do it for someone else.

"It would have massively change the game and they had their other midfielder on a yellow card. From that point of view there is some frustration."

But while frustrated with the decision, McCarthy insisted he had the utmost respect for his former player, who wasn't afforded the warmest of receptions by Blues fans.

"I think the world of John and people should remember what he did for Chester Football Club," said the Blues boss.

"I remember what he did for me and how he trained for me and I wouldn't want to see John Rooney have to go through that.

"But I haven't got a really nasty injury to Craig Mahon and I haven't lost a player from it so I will accept it. That is just what happened.

"We wish him all the best for the season. He made a big decision but we're happy with the squad we have now."