Stevenage boss Steve Evans has slammed referees once again following another controversial decision in their defeat away at Leyton Orient at the weekend.
Boro were second best in much of the game, and in truth, a defeat was probably deserved as the in-form Leyton Orient came to the Lamex Stadium and ‘did a job’ on the Hertfordshire based club. Max Sanders’ first Orient goal was the difference as the midfielder was allowed to weave his way through to a shooting position far too easily, before rolling the ball into the corner.
Despite not being at their best, Stevenage thought they had found an equaliser mid-way through the first half as top scorer Jamie Reid had the ball in the net. However, it was quickly ruled out for handball by Jordan Roberts in the build-up. Replays then showed it seemed to hit the midfielder on the back rather than the arm.
Evans, who admitted his team were below par for long periods, was left outraged by the moment and admitted to having a conversation with a former Premier League referee as he expressed his frustrations [quotes via The Comet]:
“In respect of the overall 90 minutes, I have lost all honesty and faith and everything, lost it all with referees,” he said.
“I’ve said my piece in the week and I’ll say more at a later time but I’ve lost all heart, just by the standard.
“I’m not questioning anyone’s integrity but if that’s the standard of refereeing that we’re continually seeing now, it’s pretty painful,” Evans continued.
“I spoke to Howard Webb for nearly an hour this morning and he said that if I’d lost that belief, that’s probably a better word, but if you’ve lost that belief then the only way that can be instilled back in is through good performances. And we watched another not good performance.”
The Gaffer's post-match reaction. 💬
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He then revealed Stevenage have received numerous letters of apologies from the PGMOL this season but said that doesn’t give them the solution they want.
“They find it hard to accept that in 36 league games up until today, we’ve had 17 key and big match decisions go against us, all in writing from his organisation. Howard’s opinion was that in 36 games, there would be three, maybe a maximum of four big decisions would be against you.
“He found it hard to believe but our secretary’s forwarding them to him. I accept that football is about opinion, referees give decisions and I accept all that, I’m just saying that inside me, I have nothing left for them, nothing.”
Writer’s View
Evans is a figure who divides opinion in football, but in Stevenage fans, he is adored at this moment in time, taking them to the brink of matching the club’s highest ever league finish. Therefore, to hear him speak of having the stuffing knocked out of him as the run-in heats up could be disheartening. But Evans has said he won’t let it affect him and if last season is anything to go by, he’s telling the truth.
Boro though are certainly at a crossroads. A spell of inconsistency where the goals have dried up has them at risk of not making the top six that they have occupied for most of this season. Despite this, if there is anyone who can motivate this group of players to get back on track, it’s Evans. He will try as they travel to struggling Carlisle United on Saturday.
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