Sheffield United head coach Chris Wilder has told the Sheffield Star that he couldn’t believe the astonishing decision by the referee which inadvertently led to Millwall grabbing a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw between the two sides.
It looked like United were going to get a vital three points for their battle for promotion as they led 1-0 against Millwall thanks to an earlier goal from Gary Madine. They were even saved when Ben Marshall’s penalty hit the bar, a spot kick having been given following the sending off of John Egan for deliberate handball. But in the most dramatic of fashions, Jake Cooper headed home in the 95th minute to mean Millwall escaped with a point.
However many United fans felt it shouldn’t have got to this point. Before the Cooper goal, Ryan Leonard tripped David McGoldrick and Wilder was apoplectic that this foul was not given, especially given what happened after that. Following the end of the match, Wilder confronted the referee and his anger continued in the post-match interviews.
He said: “To get that decision wrong, right in front of him, is astonishing.”
“I trust my eyes and I’ve seen it back on film, too.”
“Did we deserve three points? No, and I’m not blaming the performance of the team on the ref.”
“But to miss a situation like that, right in front of him… there’s quite a bit to play for at this level and the stakes are quite high.”
“I told him he’d got it completely wrong,”
“It’s a decision that’s cost us. Everyone in the ground jumped on it; seven of our players have their hands in the air after it.
“I’ve looked at it twice, as I say, and I’d be staggered if I’ve got it wrong. It’s just a terrible decision in a big moment.”
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