Source: Team_Talk
Sky Blues upset by penalty decision
Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman failed to appear for the post-match press conference for "diplomatic" reasons according to his assistant Steve Harrison, suggesting his blood was still boiling at the decision.[LNB]Nuneaton-born Peter Whittingham was the man who converted from the spot to inflict Coventry's first home Championship defeat since early December and secure a 2-1 triumph for the visitors.[LNB]But it was the awarding of the spot-kick that was the main talking point at the full-time whistle.[LNB]Whittingham's cross was adjudged to have hit the unraised arm of Sky Blues full-back Martin Cranie although there was only a matter of yards separating the pair.[LNB]Referee Simon Hooper failed to point to the spot initially but was convinced to do so upon seeing the flag of his assistant.[LNB]Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said afterwards: "It's a little bit harsh the penalty for handball, but I felt he missed one earlier on.[LNB]"He actually missed Jay (Bothroyd) being tripped, so I felt it was a deserved win."[LNB]And Harrison agreed with the Liverpudlian, saying: "From the bench, we obviously thought it was harsh.[LNB]"If I'm proved wrong then I'm wrong but I thought he played it against him from possibly three feet away.[LNB]"I haven't seen it on a replay, though, and until I see it we can't really say. But we thought it was a harsh decision."[LNB]Jones, who had some harsh words for the officials after Cardiff's 1-0 defeat by Leicester on Saturday, also went one step further.[LNB]He has called for the powers that be to start consulting those who have played the game in order to see an improvement in the standard of refereeing.[LNB]"There were some strange decisions today, for both teams," he added.[LNB]"At this moment, and I said it on Saturday, I think we're seeing different things sometimes.[LNB]"Their job is hard enough without us always slamming them but I did say on Saturday, the people in higher places have got to start listening to the people who have played the game.[LNB]"Start asking us, and I'm sure if we work hand in hand then I'm sure we'll get it right somewhere along the line.[LNB]"But you can't keep ignoring us because there's too many things going on at the moment.[LNB]Jones also reserved plenty of praise for his Cardiff side who came from behind to claim all three points, their first on the road in five attempts.[LNB]He added: "Overall I'm pleased because my players are starting to come back and look a bit sharper."[LNB]Clinton Morrison opened the scoring for the hosts before Chris Burke levelled matters to ensure the scoreline was tied heading into the break.[LNB]The visitors then enjoyed the better of the chances after the break, with Whittingham and Ross McCormack missing gilt-edged opportunities.[LNB]Although, even after the former's stoppage-time winner, David Bell headed against the bar and the Sky Blues saw penalty appeals of their own waved away.[LNB]Coventry are now five points behind sixth-placed Cardiff but Harrison insists there is still plenty more life left in their promotion charge.[LNB]"We need to pick ourselves up and get on with it," he said.[LNB]"We mustn't take the defeat out of perspective. It's not the be-all and end-all, we've lost a controversial game against Cardiff City."[LNB][LNB]
