‘Very contentious’ – Millwall boss on the two big calls that went against his side in 1-1 draw against Sunderland

Millwall manager Gary Rowett felt his side were on the wrong end of the officials’ decisions on at least two key moments in today’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

The Lions chief was left unhappy that Tom Bradshaw did not win a penalty in the first half as he looked to have been impeded inside the penalty area.

And referee Thomas Bramall also disallowed George Honeyman’s goal on the half-hour mark.

The former Black Cats midfielder turned in from close range after Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson spilled Zian Flemming’s shot. But the assistant referee flagged, claiming an offside George Saville was impeding Patterson.

Jake Cooper put Millwall ahead in the 59th minute, improvising well to hook in while down on the turf, with Honeyman’s corner not cleared.

But Sunderland levelled through substitute Dennis Cirkin with nine minutes of normal time remaining. He met Alex Pritchard’s free-kick before the onrushing George Long.

Millwall extended their unbeaten run in the Championship at The Den to nine matches.

“If you’re a neutral bystander it was a competitive, end to end game where both teams more than played their part,” said Rowett.

“If you view the game on possession and some really nice little touches and skill then Sunderland more than played their part in it. They had a 10-minute spell first half and probably a 10-minute spell second half where they make it difficult for you to get out to the ball. But I didn’t think they threatened our goal that much.

“Longy has not had a save to make. They had one shot on target, the goal.

“We’ve had something like 15 shots and lots and lots of moments which were very contentious. I’ve watched them back, so I’m not just sat here bleating as a manager who hasn’t won the game.

“We should’ve had a penalty first half when Tom Bradshaw gets the other side of the full-back and the full-back pulls him and then pushes him in the back.

“The referees need to be sure. He said: ‘I didn’t feel there was quite enough contact to be a penalty’. So he wasn’t sure. But the second one (Honeyman’s disallowed goal) he is absolutely sure. You can’t guess. If you watch it back then Saville is in and around that area but he is quite a way away from the keeper. When Zian strikes the ball it doesn’t affect the goalkeeper at all, he dives straight away. He knows where it is going, he fumbles the chance and then he doesn’t appeal it at all. Usually that is a good guideline.

“If I’m the keeper I’m getting up there and I’m saying he is in my way. They think it is goal. They don’t appeal. The officials chalked it off.

“After that the keeper has made two or three good saves and we’ve hit the bar. We’re a little bit unfortunate not to win the game.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD