Birmingham City were denied a victory over Southampton by a controversial Cameron Archer goal.
Blues manager Chris Davies was left seething on the touchline after referee Matthew Donohue impeded Tomoki Iwata in the build-up to Archer’s goal.
Iwata was poised to regain possession in midfield but Donohue blocked his path to allow Southampton to continue their attack and they eventually scored.
Transfer decisions must be delayed as Birmingham City’s task laid bare
‘I’m not stupid’ – Birmingham City’s forgotten man ready after transfer U-turn
Davies reacted angrily and talked his way into Donohue’s book before earning a red card a few minutes later for throwing the ball away.
In this instance, play wasn’t stopped by Donohue because referees are considered to be part of the field of play.
In the event that a referee touches the ball and involves himself in the game, play is stopped and a drop ball is awarded to the team that were in possession.
Donohue’s position in the first place ensured he became part of the game, which angered Blues’ bench.
Blues assistant boss Ben Petty – who filled in for Davies in the post-match press conference due to his red card – said: “From where I was, and I haven’t got great eyesight, it’s a really difficult one because I felt Tomoki got obstructed by the referee and the referee obviously decided that he didn’t impact him enough to stop the play.
“Unfortunately they have scored. I would like to think Tomoki would have intercepted the ball and we would have gone down the other end.
“The referee is human. He’s made the decision what he thinks is correct and we have to stand by that, as frustrating as it is.
“He hasn’t cleared it up but we have been asked if we want to speak to him after the game.”
