REF GIVES HIS VERDICT
CONTROVERSIAL REF MICHAEL JONES HAS SPOKEN ABOUT SATURDAYS GAME, WHICH SAW THE SADDLERS BEAT THE RAMS BY ONE GOAL TO NIL.
There were two specific incidents which left Derby fuming after the game.
The first incident involved Derby forward Manel, and Walsall midfielder Keith Andrews. While Manel was one on one with the keeper, the referee called play back to the half way line because he had seen a foul committed by Keith Andrews. Derby were livid with the fact that the referee could have played the advantage.
The second incident was the one that led to the games winning goal. As Ian Roper punted the ball high in to the Derby half Lee Bradbury chased it along with Johnson and Huddleston. As all three players scrambled for position the linesman flagged to say Derby should be awarded a free kick. The referee failed to spot the flag, and seconds later Lee Bradbury was pushed over by Johnson when he only had the keeper to beat. Johnson was red carded, while Bradbury scored the penalty.
The referee did have a brief chat with the linesman, but decided not to award the free kick.
Jones issued a statement after the match, as the press badgered him for an interview. With regards to the first incident, where play was called back, Jones said..."The temperature of the game had risen and needed controlling. It was a reckless challenge which warranted a caution and i felt at that point there was no danger of an attack. However, in hindsight, which is a wonderful thing, I could have played the advantage"
Jones refused to discuss the second incident and would only say.."The player was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and that's why the penalty was given. There was definite contact"
You can understand why Derby were incensed. Manager George Burley told the press..."The referee has won the game for Walsall and that could be very costly." Derby are bidding to get Johnson's red card took away. The have made a formal appeal to the FA.
Burley was also quick to condemn the Walsall staff who had a few choice words to say to Junior after the game. Junior had to be restrained by his team mates after the game. It looked like Mick Halsall was the coach who had something to say.
Burley's comments are a tad disrespectful to the Saddlers. Derby were not the only team on the end of some inconsistent refereeing.
Links
Saddlers.co.uk
Derby Official
