Bristol City head coach Liam Manning has branded the referee’s decision to send off Rob Dickie during his side’s play-off semi final defeat against Sheffield United ‘a disgrace’.
The Robins limped into the top six with a run of just win in their final five league games, but were hoping to return to form at Ashton Gate. They hosted third-placed Sheffield United in the first leg looking to gain an advantage to take to Bramall Lane next week.
The first half was a tentative affair, with Joe Williams rattling the crossbar perhaps the best chance of the early stages. It appeared as if the two teams would head into the break level, but the game turned on its head in added time when Rob Dickie felled Kieffer Moore inside the box.
The referee awarded a spot kick, but also decided to send the City defender off. It was a moment which sparked controversy and one that changed the game. Harrison Burrows duly tucked away the penalty before second half goals from Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare handed Chris Wilder’s side a 3-0 win.
Manning Furious With Decision
Following the game, Manning was unable to hide his discontent with the decision. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“I think it’s a disgrace to be honest. We even called Kevin Friend (former referee) this week to raise our concerns.
“If you look, we had him at Oxford and got a decision wrong. Luton and Coventry, another decision wrong. You just know it’s going to happen. That’s the frustration.
“Rob kicks the ball, so I don’t get how there’s a decision made like that.
Referees get a lot of stick but this decision is absolutely spot on. The double jeopardy rule only comes into play if there’s an attempt to play the ball, which there isn’t. Great decision. pic.twitter.com/6UYcQ4uXiS
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) May 8, 2025
“Whether he pulls him first to then get the ball, I think it’s one of those there’s clear contact from Rob.
“We didn’t defend well enough to stop it getting into that area. It’s not a case of throwing the blame elsewhere.
“Rob pulls him, but makes a clear attempt to play the ball, so for me, worst case is he gives a penalty.”
Writer’s View
Manning can slam the decision all he wants, but that doesn’t make it any less correct. Referees have come under fire in the EFL this season but this is a case of excellent officiating. Whilst the double jeopardy rule is there to protect teams being double punished, that only comes into play if there is a genuine attempt to get the ball. Dickie may get a touch, but the foul was committed by using his arms and upper body to drag Moore back before making his tackle. It’s 100% the right call.
