Birmingham City: McLeish rages over decision which cost Blues dearly

Mar 2 2009 By Andy Walker

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish was furious with the penalty decision that condemned his side to defeat at Bramall Lane yesterday.

The moment of controversy arrived in the 82nd minute when referee Lee Mason awarded Sheffield United a spot-kick after Craig Beattie had fallen to the floor while under pressure from Stephen Carr and Radhi Jaidi.

Replays showed that the decision was harsh as the defensive duo had merely brushed the on-loan West Bromwich Albion striker. David Cotterill converted the penalty that followed to complete a 2-1 victory for the Blades.

McLeish later turned on the match official by labelling the decision as ‘ludicrous’.

What makes the outcome even more galling for McLeish is the fact that Birmingham themselves have only been awarded one penalty this season, a fact that contributed to the Scotsman’s frustration.

“The officials have had a bad day,” said McLeish. “There has got to be better quality than that from the officials just as the same as we ask for better quality from some of the players.

“I saw a replay of the penalty decision which was absolutely ludicrous.

“If that is a penalty then that referee has got to give 20 penalties a game.

“I’ve not been to see the referee, I thought I better stay away from him in case I said something that I regretted.