Linfield boss David Jeffrey bemoans penalty decisions
Last updated on .From the section Football
Linfield manager David Jeffrey has bemoaned crucial penalty decisions which he believes cost his side dearly in Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Portadown.
"It amazed me that we didn't get two very clear cut penalties," he said.
"The referee said that there was a coming together of players when Rory (Patterson) was pulled down.
"I can't comprehend that statement because of course players are going to be coming together - it was a definite penalty," added Jeffrey.
"For the second incident involving Aaron Burns, Aaron actually ended up in the six yard box so I don't understand how we could have been awarded a free kick outside the box.
"At half time today we had to work very hard to deal with players feeling aggrieved - it was that sense of injustice that was felt by all," the Blues boss told the club's website.
"Overall, I was bitterly disappointed to lose 2-0.
"I think in the first half we played very well.
"I thought we passed the ball about well and we played some good football - we had several other good chances, including the one that was somehow cleared off the line.
"In the second half I felt we weren't as fluent, we weren't as creative and I thought we were predictable.
"In saying that we still created chances. I didn't get a clear view of the penalty incident but one of my players told me he felt it was a penalty.
"If it was a penalty, I've no complaints but obviously, where I do have a complaint is with regard to the inconsistency of decision making.
"I've got to say I don't think we did enough to win the game but I don't think we deserved to lose the game either. I think a draw would have been a fair result.
"Now we have to respond against Ballyclare on Tuesday and Carrick next Saturday."
Portadown's victory brought the Shamrock Park outfit level on points with the Blues at the top of the Premiership.
