Sheffield United were left flabbergasted with the referee on Tuesday night, with captain Billy Sharp and manager Paul Heckingbottom commenting furiously on his performance in the post-match interviews.
Sharp, who has just recently turned 37, nudged the Blades ahead in the 94th minute of the game, in a game that was only made a contest because the referee allowed it, according to the club captain.
United’s captain claimed that the referee was poor and particularly biased in his interview for ITV after the match. Sharp said:
“I think the referee was helping them all night as well, don’t think he gave me 1 foul all night.” [ITV]
But Billy Sharp wasn’t the only person associated with the Blades that thought the referee was extremely biased, many supporters took to social media to comment on a bizarre refereeing display. One fan said:
“Yes. I’m a Sheffield United fan. Referee was definitely biased towards Wrexham. Penalty given for a foul outside the box. Blades not given penalty for hand ball inside box. Was blatant Wrexhamism start to finish.”
The Sheffield United manager had a few words to say about the referee as well:
“Leigh [Doughty] did his best to get himself on Disney+ with some of his decision-making. He’ll probably make that episode.” [ITV]
Across both games Sheffield United were penalised on 18 occasions, and they racked up 5 yellow cards and a red card, and two penalties were awarded to Wrexham.
Fans on Twitter are calling for Sheffield United to file a complaint to the FA about the refereeing performance.
The Blades will host Tottenham Hotspur in the fifth round on the 1st of March. But up next for United is some extremely important home fixtures in the league, with Swansea City at the weekend and then current 3rd place side Middlesbrough next Wednesday.