Exclusive: Coventry goal wrongly allowed to stand amid Sheffield United protests
Coventry City’s goal should not have been allowed to stand in their defeat to Sheffield United, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Luis Binks should have been penalised for a challenge on Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper, which allowed Jack Rudoni to fire home.
Frank Lampard has enjoyed a successful return to management with Coventry City in recent months, but saw his side comfortably beaten 3-1 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Friday (28 March).
They were however able to give their fans something to cheer about in stoppage time, albeit in somewhat controversial circumstances.
Jack Rudoni scores late consolation at Bramall Lane
With Sheffield United 3-0 up and cruising in second half stoppage time, the visitors were able to pull a goal back through Rudoni.
After goalkeeper Cooper couldn’t hold onto a corner kick, the ball fell kindly into the path of Rudoni, who was able to tap into an empty net.
| Sheffield United last five games | Result |
| QPR (A) | Won 2-1 |
| Preston North End (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Bristol City (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Sheffield Wednesday (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Coventry City (H) | Won 3-1 |
Cooper claimed the goal should have been disallowed as he felt he was being impeded from behind by Coventry defender Luis Binks as both jumped for the ball.
However, referee Oliver Langford did not agree with the Sheffield United goalkeeper, instead allowing the goal to stand.
Hackett feels it should indeed have been ruled out, but suggested the officials may not have noticed the challenge on Cooper as they followed the direction of the ball.
‘Sheffield United unlucky over Coventry goal’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if Cooper had a case with his appeals for the Coventry goal to be ruled out, Hackett said:
“It’s not going up [where] he fouled, it’s coming down where he’s grabbed him and hauled him down. He’s taken him out of the game.
“I thought that goal should have been disallowed. No VAR so if you don’t get the VAR you’re reliant on the referee.
“The referee’s vision is probably more towards the ball and the ongoing incident rather than actually seeing the outcome of the challenge on the goalkeeper which was a foul. However you look at it, it was a foul.”
Results over the weekend mean the Blades are now two points clear at the top of the Championship table as Wilder’s Sheffield United side look to beat Daniel Farke’s Leeds to the title and automatic promotion.
Coventry meanwhile are still in fifth in the table, ensuring they too remain in contention for promotion via the play-offs.