Ryan Porteous shocks Michael Dawson over ‘blatant’ penalty in Watford v QPR
Michael Dawson expressed shock over a “blatant” penalty not being awarded for a handball by Ryan Porteous in as Watford played out a goalless draw against QPR.
The incident in question saw the Hornets defender attempting to chest the ball down from a QPR cross, but instead, he swung his arm at it, making clear contact. Despite this clear handball, referee Andrew Kitchen waved away the protests.
With officials in the news more than ever Dawson accepted the referee may have had an obstructed view he admitted the visitors could feel hard done by.
Live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (30 November), Jessica Creighton asked the former Hull City centre-back about the controversial incident in the 37th minute. Dawson was quick to voice his strong opinion on the matter, labelling it as a clear penalty.
“Yeah for me it’s a blatant penalty,” Dawson said (1.37pm). “It’s just a ball into the box, Steve Cook keeps it alive, and it’s Ryan Porteous, I’m not too sure… you can see it’s knocked down here, [Francisco] Sierralta thinks ‘I’ll leave that,’ and Ryan Porteous’ left arm, he just moves it.
“It even swings right across his body… You feel for QPR. Andrew Kitchen, it’s from the wrong side from the referee’s point of view, in his defence, but for me that was a clear penalty.”
The result leaves QPR 23rd two points of safety and the Hornets in sixth poised to achieve a play-off spot.
Watford have excelled as a defensive unit this season at Vicarage Road
Football Insider opinion
The Hornets have been a force to be reckoned with at Vicarage Road this season, picking up 22 points from a possible 24.
Under the guidance of manager Tom Cleverley, the team has developed into a solid defensive unit, keeping clean sheets in each of their last three home games, all of which were 1-0 wins. This defensive resilience has been a hallmark of their success, with the London club now sitting in sixth place in the Championship table.
Moreover, Cleverley’s side have the best home record in the Championship this season-going unbeaten and winning seven of their eight games at Vicarage Road, even if Porteous was lucky to get away with threatening that.
With their strong defensive performances and steady climb up the Championship table, Watford are looking to secure a playoff spot and are on track for a potential trip to Wembley, putting them in a strong position to push for promotion to the Premier League.
Both teams went close to a winner late on, each hitting the frame of the goal, but a point will have to do for the Hornets and the Rs.
In other news, Chelsea are about to sign Mathis Eboue from the Hornets.
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