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Sheffield United took the lead just before half-time in the Championship play-offs semi-final against Bristol City thanks to a penalty, and their opponents were also reduced to ten men.
The game got off to an explosive start, when Tyrese Campbell headed home after ten minutes, but Sheffield United’s goal was ruled out for an offside.
Mark Clattenburg claimed that was the wrong call, as it was such a tight situation with Sydie Peck only potentially, marginally offside.
However, the Blades finally got the lead they craved when Kieffer Moore was pulled down by Rob Dickie in the Bristol City box, with the Robins defender duly sent off for his troubles.
Harrison Burrows tucked away the penalty just before the interval, and there can be no real complaints with the decision to point to the spot, but what about that red card for Dickie?
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Mark Clattenburg claims Rob Dickie red card was right decision
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we discussed the penalty and the sending off with former referee Mark Clattenburg, and he insisted there is absolutely no doubt the match official got this one correct.
He said: “The decision to send off Dickie for hauling down Moore is an easy one for the referee. The referee was in a good position to see that Dickie pulled back his opponent while his opponent would have clear control of the ball and was central to the goal.
“All the criteria is met to award a penalty and give Dickie a red card as a pulling offence is not a genuine attempt to play the ball.”
On the night, Don Goodman and Gary Weaver were covering the game for Sky Sports, and had suggested Oliver Langford might have been wrong to show the red for Rob Dickie.
Goodman said: “I think Dickie hooks his foot around Moore in a genuine attempt to play the ball. He gets a foot on the ball.
“I think this is a mistake from the referee. I can understand why he’s given the penalty, but the red card is very controversial.
“For me, the penalty isn’t the big moment, it’s the red card. As I say, I think a yellow card, if he deems it a penalty for holding, a yellow card would suffice, given the hook of the leg [in an attempt to win the ball].”
When told that the Sky Sports commentary team believed the decision was a harsh one, Clattenburg added: “They must be Bristol fans as it was a basic decision when you see the hands on the shoulder and arm.
“Also the question would be … why would Moore go down when he has a clear chance to score?”
Admittedly, Goodman did come out in the second half to backtrack slightly on his earlier comments, stating: “By the letter of the law it is a red, but given the fact he’s made an attempt I thought the ref might have just given a yellow.”
Rob Dickie must hate playing against Sheffield United
Interestingly, this is now Rob Dickie’s second red card against Sheffield United this season alone, having been sent off in the clash at Ashton Gate back in November.
The tragic thing is, if Bristol City do somehow make it past the Blades and get to the Championship play-off final, Dickie will not be able to play any part in the game.
It’s a major blow for Liam Manning’s men heading into the second leg, never mind on the night here in this first leg, with Dickie a key figure in that normally so solid Bristol City defence.
They paid the ultimate price in the end, losing 3-0 and looking like they’re completely out of the tie now. Indeed, Sheffield United have one foot in the final now, and we cannot see Bristol City coming back from this.