Chris Wilder branded 'embarrassing' as 'harsh' Sheffield United, Southampton decision splits opinion | OneFootball

Sheffield United and Southampton fan pundits discussed the decision to disallow Sydie Peck's goal in the Saints' 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United were denied a point against Southampton on Tuesday night after Sydie Peck’s stoppage time equaliser was controversially ruled out.

The Blades were looking to make it back-to-back victories under Chris Wilder, and they were on course to do just that after Tyrese Campbell had put the hosts ahead in the first half.

However, two Ross Stewart efforts, including a stunning second, put Southampton ahead by the 58th minute.

Sheffield United denied by controversial decision against Southampton

After that, Sheffield United pushed to draw level, and they thought they had picked up a valuable point following Peck’s close-range header from Gustavo Hamer’s corner.

But, referee Adam Herzceg adjudged that Tom Cannon had fouled goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as the ball came across, so Peck’s celebrations were cut short.

As you would expect, this was a big talking point after the game, with Blades assistant Alan Knill making it clear he wasn’t happy with the decision.

When asked by FLW about the decisive call, Sheffield United fan Jimmy from the Blades Ramble podcast shared Knill’s view, as he described it as ‘harsh’.

"It was very, very soft to disallow the equaliser. I can see the reasons, but I think it’s a very, very soft decision, and when you take into consideration the other decisions that went against Sheffield United, I think we can feel very hard done by.

"Southampton were very good in the second half, they changed their setup, as it wasn’t working for them as they were toothless in the first half. But, I thought we were okay throughout the game. We probably edged the first half, and they edged the second.

"It was a harsh decision to rule out the equaliser, and there were other things during the game that a lot of Blades weren’t happy about. I think Wilder’s frustration was shown at half-time, and at the stage we were 1-0 up!

"So, we were unlucky, but congratulations to Southampton, and we’ll go again."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Southampton fan pundit Martin had a different view when asked by FLW, as he insisted it was a clear foul on the keeper. He also questioned Wilder's conduct beforehand, with the Blades chief dismissed at half-time for kicking a ball away in anger.

"It was definitely an obstruction on the keeper. Cannon has his arms wrapped around McCarthy! Sheffield United obviously weren’t happy, and Wilder’s reaction (to a different incident) at half-time was embarrassing, by the way, but I think it was absolutely an obstruction on the keeper and the referee got it spot on, in my opinion."

Sheffield United can take encouragement from improvement under Chris Wilder

Obviously, this was a big moment in the game, and you can understand why the Blades are frustrated, even if Saints fans will argue that Cannon did impact McCarthy’s ability to get the ball.

It was a decision that could’ve gone either way, but Southampton benefited on the night and these things happen in football, but with it coming so late in the game, it was always going to cause controversy with whoever was on the wrong end of the call.

In the bigger picture, Sheffield United competed well against a talented Southampton side, and whilst it’s a real worry that they are still bottom of the table, they have undoubtedly made progress under Wilder since his return to Bramall Lane.

Given the nature of the Championship, there’s always a chance to bounce back quickly, and the team will already be focused on putting things right when they face Hull City away from home this weekend.

Moving forward, you can be sure that Wilder won’t want his side to be using the officials as an excuse.

During his previous spells in charge, Sheffield United were a successful team, so his primary focus will be on getting the team back to that level, and he will be aware that decisions go for and against you over the course of 46 games.