Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Foster has hit out at referee Anthony Backhouse after their 3-1 defeat to Sunderland.
After going three games unbeaten in the Championship, Plymouth looked to be on course to continue their run when they took the lead against Sunderland yesterday afternoon.
The Black Cats put on a stellar second half display and were rewarded with three goals from Pierre Ekwah, Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham, as well as an important three points.
It was a deserved victory for Michael Beale‘s side in the end, who move back into the play-off spots after claiming seven points from their last three matches.
Despite a quality performance, Ian Foster felt like the referee’s decision-making was very ‘costly’ for the visitors.
Adam Forshaw was forced off the pitch temporarily for treatment before Jack Clarke took the lead, however Foster felt that he had already done his required 30 seconds on the sideline and should have been allowed back onto the field before the winger put the ball in the back of the net.
Speaking to the media (as per Sunderland Echo), Foster said: “”My understanding is that a player has got to spend 30 seconds off the pitch, which he did, and they [the match officials] won’t allow him on.
“Now I got told then that the fourth official must get a wave – or a high five, I’m not sure what it is – but he must get a signal off the referee to allow him back on, which he does straight after they score, which is disappointing. In that moment it has become very costly for us. He has got injured, he has received treatment, I don’t understand why it’s a punishment.
“I thought it was quite a… I’m trying to choose my words carefully here… if I was the referee I would go home disappointed tonight. I thought it was a very one-sided decision making process from him.”
Did Plymouth Argyle deserve anything?
Suggesting Adam Forshaw’s absence could have been what cost Plymouth a point may be clutching at straws, given that Jack Clarke’s goal was just pure class. Many have tried to stop Clarke and many have failed.
But whether the referee had a poor afternoon or not, it happens to every club and has happened to us on multiple occasions this term. It is nice to be on the other side for once.
In the end, we were just the better team and it’s a relief to earn ourselves a deserving win.