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 repeated his appeal for VAR to be used in the Sky Bet Championship following Sheffield Wednesday’s tense 2-1 defeat at the hands of promotion contenders Sunderland. Eliezer Mayenda once again played spoiler for the Owls, scoring twice to bring his season total to four goals.
However, the game was not without controversy, with Mayenda’s first goal at Hillsborough causing dispute.
In the first half, referee Will Finnie made two crucial mistakes that went against Sheffield Wednesday, potentially altering an otherwise exciting match.
Sunderland defenders Leo Hjelde and Chris Mepham were confused by Svante Ingelsson’s early long throw into the penalty area, which resulted in what seemed to be ball-to-arm contact with Hjelde; nonetheless, the penalty pleas were dismissed. The visitors took advantage of this in the 34th minute, as Max Lowe missed Hjelde’s lofted pass, allowing Mayenda to control the ball with his arm and score.
Reflecting on a series of sad events, Rohl stated his optimism that match officials will soon be helped by technology developments. “I think I’ve made my clear statements over the last three weeks,” he said when asked about using VAR at this level of English football.
“What we should do is assist the referees on the field, especially considering that I believe every week we face a major judgment against us. Two simple goals conceded, followed by two major decisions against us, and we ended up losing 2-1.
“Before the 1-0, there is a handball in the box by the opponent, but the referee does not see it. We have a one-nil advantage (if the handball is penalised), but it is a different dynamic, especially when the score is 0-0.
“Everyone will see it, or could see it, but I can’t control the scenario. This could be why we need referee support on the pitch.”
Rohl regretted Wednesday’s play-off ambitions being dashed after a third straight league defeat, but remained optimistic about a return to form. “I think at the moment I can record and repeat for the last four weeks,” he reflected.
“We delivered another strong performance. We have a lot of good chances, we control the game, we dominate at home, and we are on the front foot.”
He has a bullish outlook: “We must continue to perform well, and I believe the momentum will return.”
He expresses his thoughts on recent events: “It appears that every small situation is working against us right now, and football is all about small details and situations.”
On the other hand, Le Bris praised his team’s important win, which brought the Black Cats closer to their promotion opponents. “It was a really important win this evening because after two defeats we had to react and I think showed character,” according to him.
When asked about their strategy, he stated, “Our only goal is to win games, and then we’ll see how the dynamics of the top three play out.”
Reflecting on events outside their control, he concluded, “We can’t control this part of the table, but we just have to win, and then we’ll see where we stand.”
When asked about the handball that contributed to the opening goal, Le Bris said with a cheeky grin, “I haven’t watched it yet. Football is like that; sometimes it works for you, sometimes it doesn’t.”
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