Alex Neil left fuming at ‘horrific’ EFL decision as Millwall secure first home win vs Watford

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Millwall got back to winning ways at The Den on Monday evening, as they ran out 1-0 winners over Watford.

Camiel Neghli’s superb free kick in the 10th minute was enough to secure all three points against the Hertfordshire outfit, lifting the Lions from 16th all the way up to 10th in the Championship table.

Alex Neil was not concerned about the home form of Millwall, and he proved why as his side inflicted further pain on Paulo Pezzolano, with Watford fans ready to see the Uruguayan sacked.

Nevertheless, there was one moment of contention in the final 15 minutes of the game in the capital that left the Millwall boss incredibly angry, with this fury directed at the match officials.

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Alex Neil reflects on the decision not to award Millwall a penalty

The Hornets had the majority of the possession against the Lions, and in the second half, they started to ramp up the pressure.

However, in the 82nd minute, Macaulay Langstaff fell down inside the box with Kevin Keben appearing to make contact with him, but referee Josh Smith turned down the appeals for a penalty by the Millwall striker.

Neil was left furious, and he explained his thoughts after the victory (via: Southwark News): “Horrific decision. I might be wrong, and if I’m wrong, I apologise, but I thought it was a horrific decision.

“I thought it was the clearest penalty I’ve ever seen. He gets the wrong side of the lad, and there’s nothing you can say about it. It’s not even as if it’s a wrestle.

“He takes it down, rolls away from him, he’s wrong sided, he brings him down. It’s a penalty and a red card, and the game probably looks very different for the last fifteen minutes of the match. But we didn’t get the decision. So, yeah, we move on.”

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Steven Benda shines in victory vs Watford

Keben was perhaps a little bit lucky to go unpunished against Millwall, as it did look as though he had a hold of Langstaff when the striker fell to the ground at The Den.

Nevertheless, the Lions were still able to get the job done and they had their goalkeeper Steven Benda to thank, as he made four saves to deny Watford a chance of a point.

The German prevented 0.29 goals (xGOT), and had it not been for him, the away side might have found a way back into the game.

Nonetheless, Millwall will be extremely pleased to get their first home win of the season, although it may have been a much calmer end had a penalty been awarded in the 82nd minute.