‘We could have prevented ref being forced into decision’ – Charlton’s Michael Hector on controversial penalty call

Michael Hector reckons that Charlton Athletic’s players have to look at their own roles in the lead-up to the controversial penalty which cost them three points against Cambridge United on Saturday.

Gassan Ahadme levelled the League One match in second-half stoppage time after referee Thomas Kirk ruled that Tayo Edun had brought down Jack Lankester. But replays showed that the Addicks’ full-back made contact with the U’s sub outside of the box.

Charlton had led 2-0 through goals from Alfie May and Chem Campbell.

Ahadme cut the deficit late on when he headed home from a corner.

“We were gutted in the changing room afterwards,” Hector told the South London Press. “It is obviously disappointing when we led in the 87th minute – to be 2-0 up – to then draw the game is not a nice feeling.

“I felt we defended really well as a team and as a back five. We nullified them and put bodies on the line but the corner, we looked back at it today, and we weren’t happy with it.

“The penalty was outside but you know when things are not going your way that those sort of decisions are going to happen.

“We can defend that better as well. We can move our feet quicker. There are things we can do to not make the referee make a decision.”

If VAR had been in action then it would surely have overturned Kirk’s call.

“I know…but the officiating this season has not been great – all over England, let alone our league,” said Hector. “If you look at the top league it hasn’t been going well and they have VAR to back it as well. That is what makes it even more mind-boggling.

“In League One it is just the officials. He has got a decision to make and he’s only human. People make mistakes and we’ve got to accept that. We’ve got to make it so they have as few decisions as possible. We can’t look at anyone to protect us because at the minute it has not been going our way.”

See this week’s paper for an exclusive interview with Michael Hector.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD