Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield admits he feels ‘aggrieved’ after a controversial penalty against Aston Villa eliminated the Chairboys from the EFL Cup.
With the Adams Park side trailing 1-0 with five minutes remaining, Villa forward Jhon Duran won a spot-kick following a coming together with Wanderers goalkeeper, Franco Ravizzoli.
However, replays show that the Columbian forward was already heading to the turf before being approached by the Argentine shot-stopper.
He had also manipulated contact, if any.
Regardless, referee John Busby, who has officiated Wycombe on 11 occasions ahead of Tuesday night’s cup tie, pointed to the spot.
Duran stepped up and scored the resulting penalty, which was his fifth goal in seven matches this season.
Villa would win the match 2-1.
Speaking on the incident, Bloomfield said: “It’s just frustrating as we had lots of good moments, a lot of good opportunities, yet ultimately, the goal that decided the game is disappointing.
“I’ve watched it back and I think social media is full of everyone’s opinions so I won’t go too deep into it.
“Overall, it is tough for the referees to make these decisions but we feel slightly aggrieved.
“I don’t think it’s right how managers speak about referees at times – I’ll give my opinion and I’ll speak to John [Busby, the referee] in the correct manner, but I feel any manager would feel aggrieved.
“If you look at it the other way, he’s been given a decision to make in that moment.
“It’s tough for referees.”
Despite the result, Bloomfield was ‘proud’ of how his players conducted themselves against a Villa team that is currently competing in the Champions League.
For much of the first-half, Wycombe looked in control and mustered up several good opportunities, mainly through ex-Birmingham City man, Bez Lubala.
And even Emi Buendia’s header 10 minutes into the second period gave Unai Emery’s team the lead, Wanderers continued to look threatening up top, with Garath McCleary (on two occasions), Matt Butcher, and Wycombe’s goal scorer, Richard Kone, all going close.
Bloomfield continued: “The game was always going to be controlled in the first half, and we needed to do that.
“We needed to control our play, shape and structure but as the game went on, emotion was part of it as we were attacking the terrace and our fans were full of voice.
“We made some substitutions to add that extra pace to our attack, and we had several opportunities, especially at 1-0 and who knows where it could have gone from there.
“We also had several good chances 10 minutes before we scored but this is all should have, would have, could have.
“But the effort and application of this group is never in doubt.
“We have got some very special individuals in that changing room that are clubbing together to try and achieve great things this season.
“We’re so proud of what they put in the match, but I’m disappointed for the boys and the supporters that we didn’t go further in the match, as I honestly believed it could have happened.”
Up next for the Chairboys is a trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday in the league.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article