Neil Critchley shows indifference to protests in Portsmouth regarding Jake Beesley’s goal
Neil Critchley feels Blackpool deserved some luck after Portsmouth’s demonstrations over Jake Beesley’s goal at Fratton Park in the 56th minute lasted long after the final whistle on Saturday.
The hosts were furious that Beesley’s apparent offside position was overlooked when Karamoko Dembele’s curling shot deflected off him and into the net, setting up the Seasiders’ second goal in their 4-0 victory.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho claims that the assistant to the referee informed him that the Blackpool forward was not disrupting play in any way, which is why they were furious. Critchley said that Beesley appeared level and therefore onside at the moment of speaking. Nevertheless, he maintained that Blackpool deserved some luck this term, even if he were to have second thoughts after further consideration. Prior to their trip to the south coast, they had been the victim of similar decisions.
He responded, “I’ve seen it,” when questioned about the contentious event. It has returned to me. It’s not much, but I believe it’s difficult to tell if you’re not in queue. However, it appears to me that he is level. Portsmouth will undoubtedly argue that he is a yard offside, but I promise that if you want me to continue discussing some of the dubious decisions we have made this season that have significantly affected the results of games, then we could be here for a very long time. But I won’t get into that.
Shortly after, Abu Kamara was tackled inside the box by Kenny Dougall, and the home team made a strong penalty appeal. Referee Ollie Yates ignored Portsmouth’s protests once more and waved play on. Considering Yates’s closeness to the incident, Critchley gave him the benefit of the doubt this time.
The Seasiders manager went on, “I haven’t seen that back yet.” I thought he had cut inside when he went down, but the referee was right there and chose not to call a penalty.
From my vantage point, it’s quite difficult to tell if there has been any contact. When things happen, sometimes your heart skips a beat and you say, “Penalty,” but until you see that back, I would reserve my judgement.
With their thrilling victory at Fratton Park, Blackpool ended Portsmouth’s 27-game league winning streak, which dates back to March. They also advanced to seventh place in the standings and, due to goal differential, were outside of the play-off spots. The next game for Critchley’s team is at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night when they host Northampton.
