Pompey were themselves seconds away from falling into League One until substitutes Dave Kitson and Marko Futacs scored to keep them in the Championship.

After Rovers scored twice in the opening five minutes, the match turned on the dismissal of Habib Beye, who also gave away a penalty despite appearing to foul Kitson outside the area.

The veteran Senegalese saw red and moments after Greg Halford tucked home the penalty Mr Russell awarded a second dubious spot-kick for handball against James O'Connor.

Chaotic

While James Coppinger fired Rovers back ahead soon after a chaotic end to the match saw Kitson level in the 90th minute despite appearing to shovel the ball across the line with his hands before Futacs popped up to win the game in injury-time.

Saunders was left fuming at the referee's decisions which condemn his team to League One football next season.

"I don't know if you've seen them all but that's Billy Smart's Circus out there today, all four goals," Dean Saunders said.

"Let's let his boss who is above him and the assessor make that decision as to whether he referees ever again.

Joke

"The first goal is an absolute joke. Habib Beye trips Kitson up four yards outside the box. It's not even close.

"Even at 2-2 I felt quite comfortable actually. And then the worst decision I've ever seen - I've seen some bad ones - but that is up there.

"Wait until all the viewers see it. Wait until you see it, it's incredible. He's like Michael Jordan. Both hands are above the crossbar he's fouled Gary Woods and pushed the ball in with two hands.

"I don't know if I'm going to get in trouble for saying it but the game was decided by the referee.

"I've got a big summer ahead of me now. We have to roll up our sleeves and come back stronger."

Portsmouth

Despite his side's dramatic success Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton believes they are still 500-1 outsiders to avoid relegation.

"Our chances of staying up are not great," Appleton said.

"Even if we win the three games, all Bristol City have to do is look after their own ship. I think if it was a Grand National we'd be a 500-1 shot.

"What today does do though is it gives me confidence we can win three games. There's an opportunity there and we will continue to fight as hard as we possibly can.

"I'm glad we've got two home games now. The fans will hopefully push and squeeze the ball into the back of the net for us."