Saturday, 22nd November, 2014
Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has slammed the referee in today's Championship clash against Blackburn Rovers, feeling that the penalty which condemned the Whites to defeat came via a dive from Luke Varney.
The Whites had over 6,800 fans at Ewood Park to support them against Blackburn and the faithful saw their men take the lead through Souleymane Doukara in the 33rd minute.
However, a mix-up between goalkeeper Marco Silvestri and defender Liam Cooper allowed Jordan Rhodes to put Blackburn level in the 71st minute.
Rovers though looked to be instantly back in trouble following Tom Cairney being sent off for a second yellow card offence in the 81st minute.
But the referee blew for a foul on Varney from Sam Byram in the 87th minute, allowing Rhodes to step up and score from the penalty spot, giving Rovers a 2-1 win and leaving Redfearn fuming.
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"It's not a penalty. I don't like berating officials and referees because it's a difficult job, but it's such a poor decision and it affects the game", he told LUTV plainly, post match.
"The decision should have been a free kick to us and a booking to Varney for simulation", Redfearn added.
However, the overall performance was praised by the Leeds manager, who feels just small incidents cost his side the three Championship points.
"If you look at the supporters and the way they got behind us and enjoyed what happened…it was only the last little bit that let us down.
"But that's the most important bit, you've got to get across the line. If we want to be successful and win things, and get back in the Premier League, which we do, these things are important."
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