Controversy marred the Tigers’ home loss to Millwall on Saturday
Hull City’s Oli McBurnie (right) speaks to referee David Webb(Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
Former Sheffield United promotion-winning skipper Michael Brown criticised referee David Webb’s decision to disallow Kyle Joseph’s goal in the first half of Hull City‘s controversial 3-1 home defeat to Millwall.
The game was level at 1-1 when Joe Gelhardt’s shot looped up and was headed in by Joseph, but referee Webb decided Oli McBurnie had fouled goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Webb’s bizarre decision left City’s players and management perplexed, and it proved decisive as the Lions went on to score twice late on to seal a smash-and-grab victory.
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Brown, speaking on Sky Sports, felt Webb got it badly wrong and questioned whether officials actually understand the game they are managing.
“You can see the referee’s view; he’s looking right at it, he’s straight. Sometimes this is where I don’t think they get what we are. What the players are doing. What football is. Is he (McBurnie) really trying to foul him (Patterson)? Has he nudged him?
“McBurnie’s got his eyes on the ball, he’s having a look, and all he’s doing is putting himself in a position, the goalkeeper then runs and jumps into him. That’s a poor decision for me.”
Curtis Davies agreed with Brown, admitting that he felt goalkeepers were over-protected in the modern game, and said he felt it was harsh.
“Listen, without my Hull City head on, goalkeepers are a protected species. It’s a half-hearted kind of appeal. I don’t think there’s a lot in it. It’s always the way; if it’s against your team, you’d be upset. If it’s for your team, then you’re buzzing. It’s a really harsh foul,” added ex-City skipper Davies.
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