‘It robbed us’ – AFC Wimbledon boss left disappointed by red card decision in Ipswich FA Cup defeat

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson believed his side were robbed of the chance to progress through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after Harry Pell’s dismissal in their 3-1 defeat at Plough Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Ipswich took the lead after eight minutes when a corner from Jack Taylor found Nathan Broadhead. The striker’s effort was deflected off Josh Davison and diverted beyond Alex Bass.

Wimbledon quickly equalised when referee Matthew Donohue pointed to the spot after an Ipswich player was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. Captain Jake Reeves dispatched the effort beyond Christian Walton.

Axel Tuanzebe put the visitors back ahead in the 39th minute when he headed a corner past Sunderland loanee Bass.

Harry Pell was issued with his second yellow in the 59th minute after a coming together with George Edmundson, which left the Ipswich player on the floor.

Jack Taylor booked Ipswich’s place in the next round when Wes Burns’ shot was spilt by Bass and the midfielder had the simple task of slotting into the net.

“It was a really good performance,” said Jackson.

“We competed against a top team in Ipswich and we were in the game for the whole 90-plus minutes.

“We can feel a little bit hard done by – I don’t think it was ever a sending off.

“Harry Pell had eyes on the ball the whole time. He catches him with an arm, but he hasn’t led with an elbow – that was an aerial dual all day.

“If you’re going to give people yellow cards for that all the time, there will be nobody left on the pitch.

“I thought we were well in the game. Does Pell deserve to take no further part in the game because of that? I don’t think so.

“He’s got eyes on the ball – he’s never looking at anything else but the ball. He’s not swinging his arm with an elbow. You can’t get any leverage for a header without your arms going up. 

“Poor decision in my opinion.

“It robbed us of our chance. Even with 10 men, we’re pushing and forcing their keeper into mistakes. 

“They get their third when James Tilley is down, having been fouled in my opinion, and needing treatment, so we have nine men when they get their third goal.

“It doesn’t tell the story of the game. But I’m really pleased with my boys.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD