Bitter Sheffield Wednesday boss issues demand after controversial Sunderland defeat
Danny Rohl believes Sheffield Wednesday were on the wrong end of key decisions following a controversial 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship.
Danny Rohl has renewed his call for the implementation of VAR in the Sky Bet Championship following Sheffield Wednesday’s contentious 2-1 defeat at the hands of promotion-chasers Sunderland. Eliezer Mayenda once again played the spoiler for Owls, notching up his season’s tally to four goals with a double.
However, the game wasn’t without controversy as Mayenda sparked debate with his first goal at Hillsborough.
Two significant decisions by referee Will Finnie in the opening half didn’t go in favour of Sheffield Wednesday, which could have potentially altered an otherwise captivating encounter.
Sunderland’s defenders Leo Hjelde and Chris Mepham were caught in confusion during an early long throw into the penalty area from Svante Ingelsson, subsequently leading to what appeared to be a ball to arm contact with Hjelde; however, the penalty pleas were dismissed. The visitors made the most of that in the 34th minute as Max Lowe misread a lofted pass from Hjelde, allowing Mayenda to control the ball with his arm and slot it home.
Reflecting on a string of unfortunate outcomes, Rohl expressed his hopes for match officials to be supported by technological advancements soon. “I think I’ve made my clear statements over the last three weeks,” he stated when prompted about introducing VAR at this level of English football.
“What we should do is help the refs on the pitch, especially now I think every week we have a big, big decision against us. Two easy conceded goals and then two big decision against us, and in the end we stay here and lose 2-1.
