Rotherham United manager Leam Richardson was perplexed by a refereeing error in his team’s 2-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
With the Millers already relegated, there was just pride to play for against the Baggies, as goals from Brandon Thomas-Asante and John Swift extended the club’s miserable season.
However, the absence of jeopardy did little to alleviate Richardson’s post-match frustrations. Swift scored West Brom’s second goal from the penalty spot after Lee Peltier was called for handball in the penalty area.
The experienced defender had been outside the box, leaving the supporters who had traveled to the Midlands to watch the Millers disappointed.
Richardson commented after the game, “I’ve never seen that before. The assistant was about 10 yards away, staring down the line of it. Then he accuses my assistant manager (Rob Kelly) of telling him that ‘the linesman can help’.
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“It was a bad judgment, in my opinion. It altered the overall outcome of the game. The first goal we gave up was horrible, but I believe the second one transformed the entire complex.
“We’ve had several such decisions and apologetic letters, but I’m not interested in that. You can’t make such decisions wrong.”
Richardson was asked if he would report the match officials, and he replied, “What?” And receive another sorry letter?”
His opposite number, Baggies manager Carlos Corberan, said he had not watched a replay of the incident. The result put West Brom on track for a play-off spot, bringing their total points to 72. Fifth-placed Baggies are now nine points ahead of seventh-placed Coventry City.
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