‘Head still on Mars. Absolutely bottled it’: Clear Portsmouth verdict on referee controversy against Oxford United
Pompey earned a point against Oxford United as the fight for survival continues.
The Fratton faithful have taken to social media to vent their anger and frustration at referee Josh Smith’s display during Monday’s 2-2 draw with Oxford United.
After Keshi Anderson handed the Blues an early opener in the high-stakes affair, the man in the middle came under the spotlight soon after when he gave Connor Ogilvie his marching orders.
The left-back was adjudged to have committed a dangerous challenge on U’s winger Stan Mills, with the official brandishing his red card just 17 minutes into the showdown which had huge ramifications on the fight for survival.
Meanwhile, after the break, the referee was in the thick of the action once again, with already-booked Brodie Spencer tripping the fast-charging Terry Devlin as he broke away on the counter attack.
The official waved away Pompey protests for a second yellow card, before the defender was then quickly withdrawn just moments later.
It’s understandable, therefore, that Smith’s performance has left the Fratton faithful perplexed, with supporters angered by a number of key errors in such a high-stakes showdown.
Here’s what Blues fans on social media have been saying about the Peterborough-born official in the aftermath of Easter Monday’s 2-2 draw.
Pompey verdict on referee controversy in Oxford United draw
@JackDavis10: Head is still on Mars from this decision, easiest second yellow card you ever will see. 2 game defining decisions against us today.
@bkdrum: Referee absolutely destroyed that game with the red card. It's a foul, it's a yellow for Connor, that's it. Massive game for both clubs and ruined by poor officiating once again @EFL - Josh Smith should be sacked.
@AjonnoJI: Felt like today was the day it clicked and we scored multiple goals. We did, with 10 men against Oxfords 12! Without that abysmal refereeing performance we win easily. Disgrace.
@ashleyarnell3: Worst refereeing performance I have ever seen. Josh Smith take a bow.
@BenA67329455660: Our biggest game of the season by a country mile and completely ruined by Josh Smith. Yes we shouldn’t have found ourselves in this position in the first place, but to go out like this is criminal.
@thecheryorchard: I still can’t believe it happened. Absolutely outrageous decision that could have caused us (Pompey) seriously repercussions. Yellow, yes, but never a red.
@ArJaeEm58: Not going to lie, I thought that game was a must win today. But after the 3 o'clock results I'm not so sure. Pompey were undoubtedly hard done by, by a totally inept Ref. But I thought they showed great heart and spirit to equalise late on Looking at the remaining games, we can defs do it!
@elviiin: Unbelievable. Ref absolutely bottled it because he’d just been booked. The clearest booking you’ll ever see.
@PompeyDurham: Well done Josh Smith, you tried to make the game all about you and you succeeded. Not many talking about the game without mentioning your poor performance.
@pompeyauslander: The ref at Pompey v Oxford United needs looking at, he got his head in such a mess he couldn’t do his job properly. A straight red for Ogilvie was a mistake and because he didn’t want to be seen as weak and leveling things up he didnt give Spencer the easiest of 2nd yellow cards! Shambolic.
@scoobsplenty: I am more amazed no second yellow for Spencer?? That seems to be overshadowed by the Ogilvie red. Overall appalling performance. Pompey will appeal and hopefully win but little comfort that will bring.