Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claims refereeing 'has to be better' after defeat to Bristol City
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder claimed the standard of refereeing “has to be better” after watching his side lose 1-0 to Bristol City.
A 23rd-minute goal from Mark Sykes put the Robins ahead at Ashton Gate and the Blades were unable to produce a response.
It continued Sheffield United’s miserable run of form in the Championship and heightened frustration among fans.
Post-match, Wilder took issue with the referee’s decision to punish Bristol City’s Cameron Pring with a yellow card rather than a red when he fouled Femi Seriki early on.
Chris Wilder blasts refereeing
He said: “The referee told me our player was not in a promising attacking position. I can’t agree with that, but it shouldn’t affect the decision in any case.
“You could see by their player’s reaction that he feared a second yellow. I keep having to say the same thing, but the standard of refereeing has to be better.
“The Championship is a division where little separates a lot of the teams and big decisions often affect the outcome of games.
“I am not saying that’s why we lost. Our first-half performance was way off what I expect, but it would have helped if we had been facing 10 men for most of the game.
“In the end we did enough to win, let alone draw. I would think their ‘keeper went home with a bottle of champagne.”
Roy Hodgson full of praise for Bristol City players
Bristol City are being led by former England manager Roy Hodgson on an interim basis following their decision to sack Gerhard Stuber.
The managerial veteran was full of praise for his players and singled out goalkeeper Radek Vitek.
He said: “I have only watched our players for two games so I have to be careful what I say, but from what I have seen Radek has all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper.
“You want your ‘keeper to have a good physique, be a good shot-stopper, command his area when it comes to crosses and have a powerful kick. To me, he fills all those requirements.
“As at Charlton on Friday, I enjoyed our first-half performance more than the second, but I was more proud of the second because of the attitude shown to claim another win.
“In my short time here, I have just tried to get certain messages across and the way the players have responded has been unbelievably good.
“They deserve the credit. Some have played out of their normal position because of the injuries to our centre-backs and have adapted really well.
“If I was a City supporter I would be delighted with the sort of effort and performance the team produced today.”