Bristol City fans make ‘poor’ Sheffield United claim as one thing blamed for Championship play-off defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Sheffield United pummelled Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg, and home fans are all in agreement that their season is now over.

Bristol City had defied the odds and made it into the top six this season, with Liam Manning’s men proving to be the dark horses all term.

This usually very solid and reliable Bristol City side absolutely crumbled against the Blades on the night, though, with a penalty and a red card changing the game just before half-time.

With Bristol City down to ten men, Sheffield United’s players stepped up and completed a professional rout to get one foot in the door for a trip to Wembley.

• READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg gives his verdict on ‘tight call’ as Sheffield United rue disallowed goal vs Bristol City

Bristol City fans rue red card, they think Sheffield United could have been beaten

Taking to social media after the game, Bristol City fans were, naturally, in a despondent mood. But, they’re all in agreement that the referee’s decision to send off Rob Dickie in the first half absolutely changed the game.

One fan wrote: “A real shame. Completely different game and leg if we had 11 men. Sheffield United were poor. Onto next season. Unreal achievement to even be in this position.”

Another added, “Robbed tonight lads, embarrassing officials,” while a third said, “Amazing how one terrible decision can ruin a 46-game season.”

Suffice to say, Oliver Langford is not in the Bristol City good books, with another supporter claiming, “One man to blame tonight. We looked good until then [the red card] and then had our classic crumble.”

Some Bristol City fans really have given up, with one suggesting: “Might as well not turn up on Monday.”

Meanwhile, there was a more pragmatic outlook from some, with one fan writing: “Can’t just blame the ref. We’ve been leaking goals for fun for the last month. Constantly conceding first.

“Good season – punched above our weight, but simply not good enough when all said and done, onwards to next season.”

• READ MORE: The fans have spoken, Championship play-offs will have a surprise winner with 35% chance of success

Is Bristol City’s play-offs dream over now?

Simply put, Bristol City are down and most likely out already. Indeed, the Sky Sports commentators believe Sheffield United are off to Wembley already after that 3-0 win.

It would take something miraculous for the Robins to turn this around now, especially given they have to go to Bramall Lane next week, where United have lost just four games all season.

In fact, the Blades have conceded just 17 goals in 23 matches at home, so for Bristol City to go there and bag at least three would be truly unthinkable.

Bristol City’s absence from the top flight looks destined to continue, but Sheffield United’s play-offs hoodoo could be about to end very soon if they play like that again in the next two games.