Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell reserved praise for fourth official David Rock following his side’s hard-fought 0-0 draw with Reading but was less complimentary about the rest of the refereeing team.
The Grecians, desperate for points to secure their League One survival, pushed the Royals throughout the match and created several clear-cut chances. However, they were unable to capitalise, allowing Reading to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
As tensions flared at full-time, five Exeter players found themselves in the referee’s book, and tempers boiled over as both teams clashed on the pitch.
Refereeing Decisions Under Scrutiny
Richard Eley took charge of the game, assisted by Joseph Stokes and Alex Bradley, with Caldwell growing visibly frustrated on the touchline, frequently voicing his concerns to the near-side assistant.
Despite his irritation, the Exeter boss opted against a detailed post-match critique of the officials.
“I’m not going to talk about refs,” said Caldwell. “After tonight, I cannot discuss referees or linesmen ever again. I feel for the fourth official; I thought he was outstanding. Dave [Perkins] got booked, and I don’t know why. He was applauding something and got booked. The fourth official managed two technical areas who were clearly not happy with some of the decisions on the pitch—the inconsistency.”
Reading Boss Unconcerned by Heated Finish
While Caldwell expressed his frustrations, Reading manager Noel Hunt played down the post-match scuffle, insisting that both teams were simply desperate to secure all three points.
For Exeter, the result will feel like an opportunity missed after an industrious performance, but they will take encouragement from the way they tested a Reading side that has been difficult to beat in recent weeks.
Writer’s View
This was a game that could have gone either way, and Exeter will likely feel hard done by after failing to make the most of their chances. Caldwell’s frustration with the officiating was evident, though his praise for the fourth official suggests he saw some positives in the way the game was managed. With points becoming increasingly crucial in the fight for survival, the Grecians must now shift their focus to taking their chances and ensuring that their performances turn into much-needed wins.
