‘As clear as day’ – AFC Wimbledon boss disappointed with late referee call in Colchester draw

Johnnie Jackson believes referee Richard Eley made the decision to award Colchester a late free-kick wrong as they scored to deny AFC Wimbledon all three points in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Former Oxford playmaker Marcus Browne scored his first goal for the Dons with six minutes of the first half remaining.

But Eley halted play with one minute of the second half to go when he believed that Josh Neufville tripped Jack Payne on his route to find an equaliser.

Samson Tovide headed home Payne’s free-kick to earn Danny Cowley’s side a point.

Jackson’s side are still unbeaten in 2025 and stayed in the automatic promotion spots.

“I’m gutted to concede so late and only get a point,” said Jackson.

“I thought the boys were digging in. We looked like we were going to see it out – we normally do in that scenario.

“I’m a bit disappointed with the goal because it’s not a foul.

“Josh won the ball – I have just seen it as clear as day. He comes out of the tackle with the ball and the referee gives the free-kick.

“We know it’s coming into our box – Payne has good quality and delivers a good ball.

“We have been done by one, which doesn’t happen often. I don’t think it was a foul in the first place.

“We have to take it on the chin today. It’s a hard place to come – you can leave with nothing. 

“To come and put in a better performance than we did at Fleetwood and nearly leave with all three points is a hell of a result.

“We take the point and it could be a good one.”

PICTURE: ALAMY