The game’s big decision went in favour of the Tigers
Referee Gavin Ward speaks to Matt Crooks during the play-off semi-final against Millwall (Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Hull City’s goalless draw with Millwall in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final generated one major talking point, which surrounded Gavin Ward’s decision to disallow Ryan Leonard’s late goal.
Referee Ward deemed that Tristan Crama had fouled City defender Charlie Hughes inside the six-yard box, which allowed Leonard to race in and poke in past goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.
Had the goal been allowed to stand, it would almost certainly have given Alex Neil’s side the advantage going into Monday’s second leg at The Den, given the timing of it so close to the end.
As it was, the Surrey-based official blew for the foul before the ball hit the back of the net. City head coach Sergej Jakirovic felt it was the right decision, but his Millwall counterpart, Alex Neil, was certainly not in agreement.
Former City duo Curtis Davies and Michael Dawson were part of Sky Sports’ live coverage from the MKM Stadium with ex-Lions manager Gary Rowett and 1904 Club podcast panellist David Prutton, and here’s a flavour of what they had to say on the big talking point…
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page
Michael Dawson
“You see Crama and Charlie Hughes coming together, and you can see Alex Neil’s frustration there. I saw it in the end, but I think when you see Charlie Hughes’s body, he has a full swing around Kramer, and I just think it determines.
“They both have it (shirt pulling), and then he (Crama) just has one pull on his shirt. It goes full circle, and I think that’s why Gavin Ward gives the decision, and in my opinion, I think it’s the right one. You see his shirt, it’s completely off. Also, as a centre half, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get that one.”
Gary Rowett
“Basically, if that’s in the middle of the pitch. I think you’re not doing anything. I mean, if you think about it, Hughes has grabbed Crama first. You can see it quite clearly. Look, the shirt goes out, so he grabs him and actually pulls Crama around.
“I understand the jeopardy of the moment because the goal goes in, it’s easier to then give the free-kick against the attacking side. I don’t think there’s anything in it.
“Looking at the referee’s position, he can’t quite see the Hughes pull first. I think he just sees the Crama pull, and I think it looks a little bit more obvious for him. You’d have to be a brave referee as well, just to let it go and say it’s both and allow a goal, wouldn’t you?”
Curtis Davies
“I think the interesting point that Alex (Neil) made was that he let a lot go, and we were speaking about that on the sidelines, that he let a lot go. He (Neil) said he’s let those kinds of things go all night in the middle of the pitch when it’s actually about to be a goal; he hasn’t.
“Listen, I still think it’s the right decision, but I can see why he thinks it was six of one and half a dozen of the other. I just think the way Crama pulls him and the fact that Charlie swung round, he then has no option to even play the ball.”
What was your verdict on that decision? Have your say in the comments below…
Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.