Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock branded the match officials the "worst in the world" after defeat to Chelsea.

Cezar Azpilicueta was clearly offside when he headed in Chelsea's 84th-minute equaliser in their dramatic 2-1 win.

Warnock also felt several other decisions went against Cardiff, who remain in the relegation zone.

"The biggest and best league in the world but probably the worst officials at the minute," he said.

"What can I say about my lads? They were brilliant and it made for a great game. It kicks you in the teeth. We've had enough of them this year.

"I am deflated because we have worked hard for this game and felt we could win it.

"Against the big teams you have to have VAR because you don't get the big decisions. The equalising goal is the winning goal really, and if you can't see across the line and see offside I don't know why we are in the game."

Warnock was most angry with linesman Eddie Smart's decision to allow Azpilicueta's equaliser.

The 70-year-old Cardiff manager walked on to the pitch after the final whistle and approached the officials but said nothing, merely staring at them as they left the field.

"At that stage people might be happy to see you say something and get fined but what can you say? I wanted to get my lads away because I didn't want to get anyone punished," Warnock explained.

"Burnley and Southampton [Cardiff's relegation rivals] fans will be rubbing their hands in glee. It hurts.

"The referee had a decent game but we didn't get the major decisions. The linesman, though... it is so disappointing. Chelsea know they have got away with murder today."