FA could act on Blackwell comments

27 February 2009 06:36
The Blades were beaten 2-1 in their fifth round replay at the KC Stadium after Hull benefited from a controversial own goal by Kyle Naughton.[LNB]England Under-21 defender Naughton handed Hull a 24th-minute lead when his errant header was ruled to have bounced over the line after crashing off the crossbar.[LNB]Replays offered no definitive proof the ball had crossed the line and Blackwell thought the Blades had been on the end of a poor decision.[LNB]"We have lost a game we haven't lost," he said. "The first goal isn't a goal.[LNB]"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 how it is."[LNB]The Blades managed to claim an equaliser through Billy Sharp but Peter Halmosi settled the game in Hull's favour after 56 minutes.[LNB]There was further controversy, however, with United denied a penalty after Sharp was apparently tripped by Kamil Zayatte.[LNB]Blackwell added: "If a manager and players get it wrong, you get sacked or dropped. If officials get it wrong they get a game the following week.[LNB]"I think when officials have as poor a game as that they should be made to face the reporters, as we are, and ask why those decisions they 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'm frustrated. We haven't lost but yet we're out of the cup."[LNB]In further remarks that could attract the attention of the Football Association, Blackwell claimed Walton would have to admit he had a bad game.[LNB]He said: "I think he'll look at that game and if we're being brutally honest, he won't be proud of that performance. If he was my player he'd be dropped for the next game.[LNB]"I'm surprised he found his way across the line to where the tunnel was at half-time."[LNB]Another issue arising from the own goal, for which there could also be ramifications, was the fact that it was replayed on the big screen at the ground. Hull boss Phil Brown admitted that was unacceptable.[LNB]Brown said: "That will be getting looked at and obviously addressed. As far as I am concerned that could have started a riot.[LNB]"The Sheffield United fans weren't happy, they felt it was an inconclusive decision and therefore couldn't be given.[LNB]"That foolhardy kind of decision is going to cost someone."[LNB]Brown, however, was happy to take the stroke of good fortune which came his side's way.[LNB]"The shoe has been on the other foot many times this season," said Brown, who must now prepare for a crucial Premier League six-pointer with Blackburn on Sunday.[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. 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