BBC News, Watford boss explains why officials took time over penalty

BBC News, Watford boss explains why officials took time over penalty.

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The delay in Watford receiving their 57th-minute penalty yesterday was due to a malfunction with the match referees’ communication technology.

Referee Geoff Eltringham sounded his whistle, but it took him a long time to signify why he had halted the game.

He approached his official and spoke with him after clearing a mob of players, and then indicated to the location where Freddie Potts had brought down Kwadwo Baah.

“It was a communications issue; the linesman’s communications had failed,” stated Tom Cleverley.

“That is why the punishment was not given right away.

“I haven’t watched the entire scenario back, and there may be issues about whether he has the ball or if it is within the box.

“What I do feel is that, whether it had been given or not, we would have found a way to win that game.”

Despite the delay and the strain on his shoulders, Edo Kayembe confidently sent the ball into the top corner.

“It is something that will always impress me in a professional footballer, and that might sound pretty mad,” Cleverley told the BBC.

“However, it is a facet of the game that may alter under pressure.

“Only the really calm players, top players, or experienced penalty takers can simply calm their nerves, focus on the training ground or wherever they are, and hit the ball into the top corner like that.”

“I certainly wasn’t one of those!”

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho alleged in his post-game news conference that Watford players threw punches during the brawl in the goalmouth following the penalty.

“I have to be careful what I say, but it seems like he’s very focussed on my team,” Cleverley told me.

“They had a defined game plan that did not involve football.

“Part of that may have been attempting to elicit emotions from my teammates.

“There were times throughout the game when I felt sad for our fans who had paid to witness this, given the little of football that was being played.

“Time-wasting, complaining at the referee, inciting melees.

“But I’m glad our fans got the return for their money at the end of the game.”

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