Referee Cost Us?

The 1-0 defeat at Cardiff was disappointing but by all accounts City played well. However, it seemed from the start it was one of those days when the ball wasn’t going to go into the back of Cardiff’s net. Another defensive error cost us the points, but was it just that?

Midway through the second half a decision made by the referee changed the game. With Parkin clear through on goal and fouled, the referee awarded a free-kick rather than a penalty.

‘I definitely should have had a penalty,’

‘I was a yard inside the box but obviously the referee has seen it otherwise. He’s lost his nerve a little bit by not giving it.’

A penalty may have shifted the momentum, allowing City to get back into the game and push for a winner rather than coming away with their first away defeat of 2006.

This may have been another instance where the home crowd is able to influence a referee’s decision. It has gone now but not without a feeling of what might have been. We are still nine points ahead of the drop-zone, and that is more important to concentrate on than poor decisions made at the weekend!