City were 1-0 winners over the Blades at the weekend to secure their third home win
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Gavin Ward’s decision to award Sheffield United an 87th-minute penalty against Hull City on Saturday afternoon was correct.
The Blades were awarded the spot-kick when Semi Ajayi fouled Danny Ings inside the box, and Ward pointed straight to the spot to hand the visitors a golden chance to drag themselves level.
City were a goal up and heading for a first home victory over the Blades in five attempts, thanks to David Akintola’s first-half volley, before Ajayi, who made his return after a seven-game absence off the bench, caught the heel of summer signing Ings.
Thankfully for Ajayi and City, Ivor Pandur guessed right and denied Harrison Burrows from the spot with a fine save, and that helped the Tigers hold on for a crucial three points to move them nine points clear of Chris Wilder’s side, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.
“It’s a good spot by the referee, I think,” Dermot Gallagher said on Sky Sports. “If you watch close up, you see he actually stands on his foot and he’s simulated (what happened). That’s what I like about the referee. If he’s gonna simulate something, simulate what happens.”
Meanwhile, ex-Muangthong United striker Jay Bothroyd agreed with Ward’s decision three minutes from time, adding: “It’s a rake down his sock and obviously it’s the right decision.”
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