Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans believes award of Peterborough United penalty was 'harsh' and Posh should have had two red cards
Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans insisted that the penalty that saw Peterborough United defeat his side was harshly awarded.
Posh dumped Rovers out of the EFL Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 victory at the Memorial Stadium. The only goal came via Harry Leonard from the penalty spot after a handball was awarded against Riley Harbottle. Harbottle raised his hand well above his head and made connection with the ball from David Okagbue’s cross just before the 20th minute.
Remarkably, he want on to claim that Posh should have had two red cards.
He told BRTV: “Well, I think our performance was patchy. We started really bright in the first ten to 15 minutes, and then we lowered that intensity and Posh had a spell.
"The referee gives a decision that’s a penalty, which we think is harsh. If you can’t elevate your arms to head the ball, you’re never going to head the ball in your own penalty area, but he gives the penalty. But there were things preluding that which upset us.
"I think there’s a straight red in the far corner flag to the left of the away end for an over-the-ball challenge. Two minutes later, there’s a clear punch in the face of one of our players in the middle of the penalty spot.
"The second half was a bit patchy, a bit scrappy, but we made some changes and then took control. We made the three best chances of the game. Riley should atone for his hand being up there to give away a penalty.
"We should score through Keenan right at the death, and before that, Mees misses a big chance when he goes with his wrong foot. So yeah, we’re disappointed, but they’re a good side. They play an attractive brand of football; they knock it around. I think if we were at it today, perhaps it’s different, but cup ties are decided on the day.
"We made the changes to bring some energy. I felt two or three players were just a little bit jaded from a long pre-season, which happens, plus the intensity of stepping into your first real competitive game.
“It’s a bit hard to take when we see some of the decisions today, but they should be playing with ten and maybe even nine.”