Sergej Jakirović admits 'surprise' at decison during Hull City's 1-0 win over West Brom
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic admitted he was surprised to see West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist receive a red card during his side’s clash with the Baggies.
Oli McBurnie clinched a 1-0 home victory for the Tigers, converting from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time in a game low on entertainment value.
West Brom were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Alfie Gilchrist, who spent last season at Sheffield United, was sent off.
He was given his marching orders following a challenge on Liam Millar but Jakirovic felt the referee’s decision was harsh.
Red card decision
He said: “It was very harsh. I was a little bit surprised because I was thinking it was a yellow card. But he pulled out a red.
“It was typical [of the Championship] because there were a thousand balls in the air and 2,000 challenges.
“We struggled for the second ball, especially in the first half. We started well but lost our balance and West Brom were better.
“They had two great situations to score a goal and then gave us a penalty. We controlled the second half much better and had a few good chances.
“We also kept a clean sheet which is very important and got three big points. The red card also helped a lot, for sure.”
Ryan Mason reacts
West Brom head coach Ryan Mason, who represented Hull in his playing days, was also left scratching his head following the red card decision.
He said: “I don’t think anyone reacted. The referee was 10 yards away and it took him about 15 seconds to give the red card.
“But I thought it was a tough game for the referee. However, I can’t make excuses for us and our lack of discipline. The reality is, that’s what’s cost us. It was a tight game and the pitch wasn’t great.
“We managed it well in the first half and we should have come in at half-time winning. But we came in losing by gifting the opposition a goal.
“It’s difficult to accept and to understand why. We’ve spoken about mistakes, individual errors and gifts to the opposition.
“For how well we played in that first half, to come in 1-0 down in the way we did and the way the penalty was awarded was hard to understand. It’s a lack of discipline and it’s not good enough.
“There’s a lot of pain at the moment. It’s about understanding and taking responsibility. We have to own it and change it. That’s the only way we move forward.”