Blackwell slams own goal decision

26 February 2009 22:57
The Blades were beaten 2-1 in their fifth-round replay at the KC Stadium on Thursday night after Kyle Naughton was adjudged to have headed into his own net.[LNB]Naughton misdirected his header as he tried to clear behind his own line and watched in horror as it thundered against the bar and bounced down onto the line.[LNB]A flag was quickly raised and the goal given but replays were inconclusive and Blackwell claimed the decision should never have been made.[LNB]"We have lost a game we haven't lost," Blackwell said. "That's one for the record books isn't it?[LNB]"The first goal isn't a goal. They can stand here and try to persuade me until they are blue in the face, but that isn't a goal.[LNB]"The official has made a decision and he is not 100% sure - that is what is the disgrace.[LNB]"Somehow we have lost and I don't know why it is."[LNB]The Blades managed to claim an equaliser through Billy Sharp after Naughton's 24th-minute blunder but Peter Halmosi settled the game in Hull's favour after the break.[LNB]There was further controversy, however, with United denied a penalty after Sharp was apparently tripped by Kamil Zayatte.[LNB]Blackwell added: "I think when officials have as poor a game as that they should be made to face the reporters, as we are, and asked why those decisions are made.[LNB]"They are key decisions - managers can lose their jobs over them.[LNB]"Fortunately we are in a good position but, if I was hanging on for dear life, that could have cost me my job.[LNB]"I have got a family and kids and that's what I find a disgrace. I'm frustrated."[LNB]Hull boss Phil Brown, whose side face a crucial Premier League clash at home to Blackburn on Sunday, was happy to accept the stroke of fortune.[LNB]Brown said: "The shoe has been on the other foot many times this season.[LNB]"I am happy because we have won the game, not because of refereeing decisions.[LNB]"We have been done at that twice this season, inconclusive goals, and one has gone our way tonight.[LNB]"When Billy Sharp goes down and the referee blows his whistle, your heart is in your mouth - but he's booked him, so he obviously thought it was a dive.[LNB]"Again, that decision went for us tonight.[LNB]"But the bottom line is you can't argue with the difference between the two teams.[LNB]"There was the little bit of quality in front of goal with Peter Halmosi's goal.[LNB]"Sheffield United had two shots in the second half and did not hit the target. The goalkeeper had no saves to make."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk