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After George Hirst levelled from the spot for Ipswich Town in the tie against Birmingham City, one Blues defender said one thing aimed at the Tractor Boys goalscorer.
The 2025/26 Championship season has kicked off with Birmingham City and Ipswich Town drawing 1-1 at St Andrews.
In what looked set to be a win for Birmingham City, with Jay Stansfield bagging a goal for the Blues, whilst former Celtic ace Kyogo Furuhashi shone for the home side, the game was turned on its head in injury time after Andrew Kitchen pointed towards the spot.
The penalty was handed to Ipswich Town in rather controversial circumstances, with the ball striking Lyndon Dykes’ palm on a set-piece.
Stepping up at the crucial moment was Ipswich Town’s George Hirst, who made no mistake from the spot.
The goal that levelled up the game preceded a spat between Hirst and a selection of Birmingham City players before a confrontation involving several players ensued.
What Ipswich Town’s George Hirst was told by one Birmingham City player after penalty goal
After a difficult contest at St Andrews, Ipswich Town will be glad to have picked up a point against Chris Davies’ side.
The decisive moment showed George Hirst to be clinical from the spot, and in his post-match duties, he spoke about the composure he needed in that moment, detailing that it is exactly what he is expected to do.
“It’s what I get paid to do, it’s my bread and butter,” said Hirst when speaking to Sky Sports post-match.
The Ipswich Town forward then spoke about the reaction from the Birmingham City players after the stoppage-time goal, including some interesting words from a Blues defender.
“The Birmingham City centre half said it was a rubbish penalty, in slightly different terms, but it hit the back of the net and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.
“We fought it out, we knew what to expect coming here and we stuck together, got the point and we move on.”
Kieran McKenna will be happy with a hard-fought point against Birmingham City
Despite the game not quite going Ipswich Town’s way, they showed immense resilience to come back from one goal down at St Andrews, even if it was with the help of a penalty decision.
Kieran McKenna’s side were always set to be up against the cosh against a confident Birmingham City side in front of a raucous Blues crowd, and in hindsight, they weathered that storm brilliantly.
Birmingham City certainly showed to be a top side in the opening contest, but McKenna can also take plenty of positives from the game, including the character that his side showed to never give up.