Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the press following Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League 1 defeat to Port Vale, and has discussed referee Andy D'Urso's decision not to award the Saddlers a penalty for a clear Ryan Inniss foul on Manchester City striker Jordy Hiwula, in the first half of the tie.
Speaking to the Walsall Advertiser, Smith said; “The whole game hinges on that penalty decision – it’s a stonewall penalty and a red card. Game over.
“I’ve seen the replay. I don’t really care where his position was because everybody else in the ground thought it was a penalty, even their bench.
“Whatever his position is, surely there’s four of them on there that can give it if everybody else sees it. Hopefully in his next game he does a bit better.
“Why would Jordy go down when he’s going to score? It’s bizarre. Unfortunately the decision wasn’t given and theirs looked a foul for their goal as well – Pope’s climbed all over Andy Taylor to head the ball in.
“He’s given free-kicks like that all game – why doesn’t he do it when it’s in the box? He’s climbed all over the back of him.
“Unfortunately, two decisions in both boxes didn’t go for us and if they had done, we would have won the game.”
SOURCE WALSALL ADVERTISER