Carlisle boss Paul Simpson won’t let many things bring him down this week, after his sides excellent extra-time victory against Bradford City on Sunday ensured they will have the chance to claim promotion to League One in Sundays final vs Stockport. However, it was after the defeat in the first leg which has seen Simpson fined for comments made against the referee Ross Joyce.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) May 23, 2023
Paul Simpson described Ross Joyce as a “Homer” when he felt a series of fouls didn’t go Carlisle’s way at Valley Parade. Simpson felt his side should’ve had a clear penalty in the match and explained he felt sorry for striker Joe Garner who was “smashed five times off the ball in the first half”. The Carlisle United boss was ironically complimentary about Joyce as a referee but emphasised he was unhappy when he said “because this guy’s a good referee, but on today’s performance he was good for the home side but not for us”.
Simpson also complimented Bradford City and was level headed when analysing the game, also commented that referee’s performance wasn’t the reason Carlisle lost the tie but it certainly didn’t help his side. Nevertheless, as the FA statement has confirmed Simpson’s comments imply bias and may bring the game into disrepute.
Carlisle showed their quality in the return leg when they came out on top in a excellent encounter at Brunton Park, a Ben Barclay header sealed the victory in extra time to set up an exciting match vs Stockport who edged Salford City on penalties. The tie will be played at Wembley Stadium this Sunday, and this seasons League Two play-offs epitomised how tight the league has been this season with teams still fighting till the end to secure promotion or a play-off spot up until the final day.
Editors View
It’s easy to see why Paul Simpson has been fined, his comments do allude to the referee favouring the home side and Carlisle not getting the same treatment during his sides loss. The frustration with the referee was clear to see in the post match interview, however Simpson was very level headed in his comments, and not only complemented the referee for his ability but also said Bradford a good side.
In the grand scheme of things, the fine was probably expected, but Simpson and his side won’t be too bothered by this fine and will be fully focussed to top off, what already is an excellent season.
