Reading FC

Reading FC denied 'stonewall penalty' at Stoke, says McDermott

By Jonny Fordham
February 09, 2013

Brian McDermott felt Reading were denied a ‘stonewall penalty’ in the dying stages of their 2-1 defeat to Stoke City.

Royals never looked like being on the end of a defeat, but Robert Huth put Tony Pulis’ side in front with a header before Cameron Jerome lashed home a superb half volley.

Centre-back Adrian Mariappa pulled one back with his own header, his first for the club, in the final 10 minutes and then Adam Le Fondre was felled in the box, but referee Michael Oliver waved away Reading’s protest.

But McDermott said: "It's a stonewall penalty. Alfie is gutted, he came straight in and said it was a pen.

“I've been in to see the referee, unfortunately he hasn't given it. It's last kick of the game, you have to give it.

"It doesn't matter what the ref said to me because I respect a conversation that takes place in private.

“I knew at the time it was a penalty, it hasn't gone our way, but I'm really disappointed because I felt we deserved something.

“As a manager sometimes you just have to move on when decisions don't go your way.”

McDermott gave a full debut to Nick Blackman who played wide on the left and Danny Guthrie didn’t travel to look after his pregnant wife at home.

"It was a tough game, you know coming here it always will be, they've only lost once here this season to Chelsea,” add McDermott.

“We stayed in the game, created chances late on. They had a lot of long balls into our box which you expect, we did OK apart from the set play, then a great bit of skill from them for 2-0.

"I'm happy with everything but the result, we will keep going, we move on and look forward to our next cup game."

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Most recent user comments 4 of 4

The other thing is that this article is accompanied by an photo of BMcD looking furious. However during the post-match interview he gave to the BBC, which is where the quotes in this article originate, Brian was calm, measured and respectful of all parties. Still that doesn't really make a good story does it.

JJB
11/02/2013 at 12:14

It wasn't a "stonewall" penalty. Defender got himself between Alf and the ball and Alf threw himself to the floor - would be a reasonably valid opposing view of it.

Like Crane God says, 2-1 v Stoke away is no disaster and not all that unexpected despite their recent form. They are a nightmare to play up there. Home matches v Wigan and Villa are the ones which will shape our season now.

JJB
11/02/2013 at 12:12

If it wasn't a penalty then Alfie should have been booked for diving, which he wasn't. The ref wimped out of a big decision. This is where some sort of video referee like in rugby would be a good idea as there is too much at stake to have so many poor refereeing and linesman decisions taking place.

Smiffy, Reading
11/02/2013 at 11:45

Chin(s) up Brian!

A shame, but losing at Stoke is no real shame, at least we are keeping the losing margins tight. Goal difference may be the deciding factor come May.

Enjoy the cup game, to hell with the result, 3 points v Wigan please!