Rotherham United boss slams 'unprofessional' match official after post-match conduct with Leeds United scorer Patrick Bamford following controversial opening goal

ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Leam Richardson hit out at the ‘unprofessional’ behaviour linesman Nick Hopton after Saturday’s 3-0 Championship loss at Leeds United – after claiming he was laughing and joking with Patrick Bamford, who was at the centre of a hugely controversial moment which put the hosts in front early on, following the final whistle.

Bamford appeared to divert a deflected low cross from Junior Firpo into the net with his elbow to put United 1-0 up on ten minutes.

Bamford’s celebrations, which implied he has used his elbow, left a sour taste in the mouth of Millers players, with Richardson showing his anger after remonstrating with the officials on the touchline.

On the incident, Richardson said: “It was tough with the challenge ahead of you before you arrive. I thought we started the game in the ascendancy and the goal has not cost us the result, but led to a large part of it with the handball.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford celebrates scoring their side's controversial first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match against Rotherham United at Elland Road. Picture Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.

“I did not really appreciate the linesman who was on this side, laughing and joking with Patrick after the game. It was unprofessional, but not an excuse we will move on.

“It was unprofessional to be laughing and joking with a player who has cheated not only them out of a decision, but potentially a result as well (afterwards).

"That’s not a complaint, but a take-away for the officials to get better themselves going forward. It was unprofessional and there’s a lot at stake and they need to know that.

"I was disappointed for the players after the work ethic they put in.

"But congratulations to Leeds, they are up there for a reason and you can see the quality of player. You give them chances - and we were loose with the ball a couple of times against a good counter-attacking team - you will always suffer."