Ref upsets irate Johnson
29 Nov 2007 - 07:17:32
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson blasted referee Andy Penn for failing to award his side a penalty in the goalless draw at Hull City.
The former Yeovil Town manager was adamant that the ten-man Robins should have had a last-gasp spot-kick when substitute Darren Byfield was tripped by Tigers right-back Sam Ricketts, only for Penn to wave away the claims.
Johnson fumed after the stalemate: "Of course it was a penalty and I think the referee knows it was one as well.
"Because it was late in the game and because Hull have a big crowd, he felt he couldn't give it and we've missed out on winning the game.
"There's no way Darren was going to go down deliberately because he was through.
"I've asked the referee about it and he's said he'll look at the video and, if he's wrong, he'll phone me and say sorry. But he can't give me the penalty back and our lads feel as though they've been cheated.
"We know it's a poor decision and that's disappointing."