JONATHAN Woodgate labelled Diego Rico's challenge to concede a penalty against Cardiff as "stupid".

The Spaniard was penalised after sliding in and tripping Bluebirds wing-back Perry Ng in the box, which allowed Kieffer Moore to fire home from the spot and put the visitors 2-0 ahead after Sean Morrison's opener.

That proved to be the winning goal, with Shane Long's second half strike a mere consolation in the 2-1 loss.

"They’re a difficult team to play against," said Woodgate of the challenge posed by Cardiff.

"We can’t give teams like that a lift, especially in the first half.

"Coming away from home, they get the first one from a set play and then a stupid penalty, going to the floor too early really."

Asked about the second-half improvement, Woodgate added: "It’s hard to turn it around then. It’s really difficult, especially against a Mick McCarthy team who is resolute behind the ball with the big three centre-backs who are difficult to play against and you can’t give teams heads up like that.

"We had to go and try and win the game and I thought we could go and get a draw in the end from the performance in the second half, but it wasn’t meant to be."