Well there's nothing to stop you asking but references are normally given in confidence (and thus it is not expected that the prospective employee will see them). How do you know the references were the factor that went against you - most job offers are made on the basis of interviews / evaluation techniques, with job offers made subject to references (i.e. to check you are who you say you are). Is this what happened, then the provisional job offer was withdrawn?
And also, no-one is going to give a bad reference as such because of risk of comebacks. Anything bad to say, and they'll probably say it by not saying it, if you see what I mean.
Thanks buildersmate. According to the employer, comments were made on an employment reference. To my knowledge, i have not been reprimanded or told off for anything. I'm over it now, its their loss.
Thanks again.