x

Hartlepool's Wilson Fumes At Referee

Hartlepool manager Danny Wilson fumes at Lee Probert after his decision to award the Swans a penalty

On a week when "respect the referee" was on the lips of many media pundits and commentators, Wilson launched a scatching attack on referee Lee Probert who gave Swansea a penalty when the game was balanced at 1-1.

It was not a penalty that the Swans had appealed for and they appeared as surprised as Hartlepool when the decision was given but it didn't stop Jason Scotland grabbing his 29th goal of the season from the penalty spot to give the Swans the lead - a lead they were not to relinquish.

But Wilson believes that his side were cheated by the decision and that it changed the course of the game.   "You talk about self control in football games and this new Respect thing that is coming through, but how can you accept a decision like that which is truly awful," said Wilson.

"It was a really difficult situation to accept and I thought the players were commendable in how they handled it.

"I think the lads showed great restraint. There was nobody booked and they have just asked him a question.

"The fans have shown their disgust from it and quite rightly so."

He added: "No matter how many times I watch again it over the weekend, I will not believe the decision he has made.

"I hope he (Probert) knows he has dropped a rick. If he doesn't know, he has got a problem.

"The sad thing about it is he has had a good, clear view of it. He has got to stand up and be counted because he has cost us the game.

"For whatever reason, he has not seen what has happened. Maybe that is why he is refereeing at the level he is.

"The game has been handed to Swansea. I am not knocking them because they are a good side.

"That decision has given them a great boost of confidence. Going in at half-time they couldn't have asked for anything better.

"If we had got that decision, it would still have been a bad decision.

"There was no claim for it. They knew Ben had got the ball and timed his tackle superbly."

What to read next:

Why sentiment had no room in Pompey's decisions over who stayed and who was released
It involved some tough decisions and probably lots of soul-searching, but Pompey insist deciding on this year's retained list was all about separating sentiment from the cold, hard reality of the need to be competitive in the Championship next season.
Lincoln City 0 - 2 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
No Pompey parade - but Southsea Common will see plenty of celebration
Pompey have had some memorable celebrations on Southsea Common since the turn of the century - and more such memories will be made on Sunday afternoon.
Portsmouth 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Pompey have new heroes in 2024 - and it takes me back to 1983, 2012 and many points in between
Sometimes I think about something I want to write about, get straight to it and end up rambling on for about 2,000 words. But this is different. I want to write 2,000 words about the League One champions and don’t know where or how to start.
Portsmouth 3 - 2 Barnsley - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Right Pompey approach can bring rewards at Bolton
It could be the under-statement of the season - Bolton v Pompey described as being as 'interesting contest'.
Our feet are still on ground: Pompey goal hero takes it a game at a time
Owen Moxon insists it's still 'feet on ground' time for Pompey as they try to edge closer to promotion when they host Shrewsbury on Saturday.
He's been exceptional - Kamara wins high praise for inspiring Pompey win at Wycombe
Jon Harley was quick to heap praise on Abu Kamara after the winger produced another top-class display to inspire Pompey to an Easter treat of a victory at Wycombe Wanderers.