Watford’s Tom Cleverley was furious after Southampton secured a late win at St Mary’s
Watford manager Tom Cleverley feels ‘top referees’ should be in charge of key Championship games at this stage of the season after hitting out at a decision which could potentially cost Leeds United.
The Hornets lost 3-2 to Southampton on Saturday with a goal in the 99th minute, despite only seven minutes of extra-time being added on. The win means the Saints could now catch Leeds in third should they get maximum points from their two games in hand, which would also put them within touching distance of Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
But while Cleverley admits the result will have little baring on Watford’s season – the Hornets are eight points above the relegation zone with just three games to play – he feels the ramifications for the likes of Leeds, Leicester and Ipswich of the big decision at St Mary’s could be costly, and he has called for experienced referees to be used in crunch games.
Before Flynn Downes scored a thrilling late goal for Southampton, Watford had rallied from a two goal deficit to tie the game at two. Cleverley was incensed that the goal survived in spite of appeals for handball and that it occurred two minutes beyond the designated added time. He also believed that Sekou Mara should have been sent off for the hosts earlier in the game.
“That is the main thing that is frustrating me,” he remarked. “Ryan Porteous’ red card incident was a sincere error. It is concerning that the corner is awarded in the 98th minute following the addition of seven minutes.
“It’s not affected the way our campaign ends so much, but when there are hundreds of millions of pounds on the line for Leeds, Ipswich and Leicester, I think they could argue that the top referees should be in charge of these games.
“I will never, ever have a go for genuine mistakes. I’m disappointed the corner was taken. I am struggling to see how we’ve led to that after the 98th minute. The whole thing should never happen and I think this is where you need someone strong for sure in the game.”
Southampton will now play twice before Leeds kick another ball, firstly against Preston North End at home tonight and then on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff City. Daniel Farke’s men have to wait until next Monday night to play Middlesbrough at the Riverside before an away trip against QPR and that final-day Elland Road clash with Southampton rounds off their scheduled fixtures.
