El-Abd: Hillsborough crowd swayed the referee

23 August 2010 12:00
Brighton defender Adam El-Abd felt referee Andy Woolmer was influenced by the home supporters during his side's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. Woolmer infuriated Albion when he only produced a yellow card after Owls striker Neil Mellor appeared to shove El-Abd to the ground. "Wednesday got the rub of the green when you look at the refereeing decisions," said El-Abd. "It seemed like a crowd of nearly 20,000 had an effect on the referee which swayed the odd decision in their favour. "When you raise your hands you should be off if he's seen it, which he obviously did because he booked Mellor. It's either nothing or it's a red card but the ref gave a yellow."

Source: PA