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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder issues a response to Liam Manning’s verdict on Rob Dickie’s red card.
Sheffield United beat Bristol City in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.
Ashton Gate witnessed an end-to-end start to the clash, but the chances soon fizzled out, until the game was turned on its head before the interval.
Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore was steaming down on goal, where he was initially grabbed back by Rob Dickie before the Bristol City defender put a foot in, clearing the ball away.
Referee Oliver Langford pointed to the spot, and despite plenty of protests from the Bristol City side, he brandished the red card towards Dickie to put the Robins down to 10.
The decision was regarded by Bristol City boss Liam Manning as a ‘disgrace’, however, Mark Clattenburg believes that it was an ‘easy decision’ for the referee to make.
After such a pivotal moment in the tie, Chris Wilder has now had his say on the controversial events.
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Chris Wilder verdict on Rob Dickie red card as he responds to Liam Manning
Sheffield United boss Wilder was, expectedly, all in favour of referee Oliver Langford’s decision to give Dickie his marching orders in the dying moments of the first half for Bristol City.
The decision has sparked plenty of controversy, with the red card handing the game to Sheffield United on a plate, but Wilder has clearly stated that he believes it was the right call.
“I don’t think he [Dickie] made an attempt to play the ball. He’s just dragged him back,” said Wilder following his side’s 3-0 away win, per The Star.
“Did he mention about the two penalties at our place in the last minute? Listen, it’s an emotional game. In the game at our place, I asked for the observations on two penalties and they said the second one was. We had to suffer then, dropping two big points.
“I understand, but of course it swings the game in our favour but there’s still a job to do.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder must keep side grounded going into second leg
With such an advantage going into the second leg of the Championship play-offs, Sheffield United will need to be careful to ensure that they are still fully prepared for a fully rejuvenated Bristol City side to visit Bramall Lane.
Bristol City will have nothing to lose in the reverse fixture, and that will spark Liam Manning to go all out in regards to attacking output.
Wilder will know that a goal for Sheffield United could easily seal the game for his side on the night, but they must be patient and look to squeeze any momentum Bristol City may have out of the game first and foremost.