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.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.But it was the awarding of the spot-kick that was the main talking point at the full-time whistle.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.Referee Simon Hooper failed to point to the spot initially but was convinced to do so upon seeing the flag of his assistant.Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said afterwards: "It's a little bit harsh the penalty for handball, but I felt he missed one earlier on."He actually missed Jay (Bothroyd) being tripped, so I felt it was a deserved win."And Harrison agreed with the Liverpudlian, saying: "From the bench, we obviously thought it was harsh."If I'm proved wrong then I'm wrong but I thought he played it against him from possibly three feet away."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."Jones, who had some harsh words for the officials after Cardiff's 1-0 defeat by Leicester on Saturday, also went one step further.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."There were some strange decisions today, for both teams," he added."At this moment, and I said it on Saturday, I think we're seeing different things sometimes."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."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."But you can't keep ignoring us because there's too many things going on at the moment.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.He added: "Overall I'm pleased because my players are starting to come back and look a bit sharper."Clinton Morrison opened the scoring for the hosts before Chris Burke levelled matters to ensure the scoreline was tied heading into the break.The visitors then enjoyed the better of the chances after the break, with Whittingham and Ross McCormack missing gilt-edged opportunities.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.Coventry are now five points behind sixth-placed Cardiff but Harrison insists there is still plenty more life left in their promotion charge."We need to pick ourselves up and get on with it," he said."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."

Source: Team_Talk