Liam Manning labelled referee Oliver Langford’s determination to ship Rob Dickie off as a ‘shame’ as Bristol Metropolis’s play-off hopes took a serious blow.
The Robins slipped to a 3-0 defeat towards Sheffield United within the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Ashton Gate.
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However all of the speak centred round Bristol Metropolis defender Dickie’s pink card within the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
Blades striker Kieffer Moore was by means of on purpose when Dickie hauled him right down to the bottom, however he managed to kick the ball away within the course of of creating the problem.
Langford instantly pointed to the spot however, a lot to everybody’s shock at Ashton Gate, gave Dickie his marching orders too.
That is as a result of Manning and Bristol Metropolis supporters felt Dickie would profit from the double-jeopardy legislation.
The rule states: “The place a participant commits an offence towards an opponent inside their very own penalty space which denies an opponent an apparent goal-scoring alternative and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an try to play the ball; in all different circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no chance to play the ball and so forth.) the offending participant have to be despatched off.”
But Bristol boss Manning fumed in his post-match interview and revealed he even known as Kevin Pal, who’s the referee supervisor for Choose Group Two, earlier within the week to voice his issues about Langford.
“I believe it is a shame, to be trustworthy,” Manning advised Sky Sports activities.
“We even known as Kevin Pal this week to boost our issues. For those who look, we had him at Oxford, bought a call unsuitable. Luton v Coventry, one other determination unsuitable. You simply know it will occur. That is the frustration.
“If you take a look at it, was it the double-jeopardy we bought advised? Rob kicks the ball, so I do not get how there is a determination made like that.”
Manning added: “I believe this sport was too massive for him. He should not be wherever close to it.
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“He is bought two or three pink playing cards unsuitable this season, Joe Williams being one which he apologised for.
“It is unlucky, however we went into the sport understanding there’s the potential for that to occur. He simply should not have been wherever close to it.”
The Bristol Metropolis boss was additionally in no temper to precise his frustrations to Langford after the match, declaring it might have been a ‘full waste of time’.
Langford has awarded probably the most penalties within the Championship this season having pointed to the spot six instances in 29 fixtures.
He has additionally dished out six pink playing cards, with solely Gavin Ward and Matt Donohue brandishing extra with seven and eight respectively.
“It has been an extended season for everyone, it is taken an enormous quantity of labor,” Manning mentioned.
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“All of us make errors however for me, we knew going into the sport the dangers with the referee.
“Once more, for me it is only a large pink flag. If he is top-of-the-line within the Championship, we’re in bother.”
Harrison Burrows opened the scoring for the Blades when he transformed from the spot following Dickie’s sending off.
Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare then struck within the house of six minutes to go away the Robins with an almighty mountain to climb within the return leg at Bramall Lane on Monday.
It was a merciless end result for Metropolis, who have been making their first look within the Championship play-offs in 17 years.