McCarthy Backs Ref Over Penalty

Big Mick McCarthy accepted that Town did not deserve to be awarded a stoppage time penalty, or to win the game.

Barnsley took their first away point of the season after Jim O’Brien’s secodn half strike levelled Daryl Murphy’s header.

But the real controversy came at the end when substitute Frank Nouble tumbled in the box after grappling with Jean Yves M’Voto but referee Andy D’Urso waved it away.

The angry Town protests saw Aaron Cresswell red carded as the players left the pitch but McCarthy had no problem with the official.

McCarthy told The Times: “I have no gripes with referee at all. I have seen any angle where I think it was a penalty.”

His reaction to the red card issued after the final whistle was equally concillatory.

“It is borne out of frustration, said McCarthy. “We have not played well and it was his man that scored so he is not happy.

“I can understand it. Although I never got sent off
Cresswell has gone to referee and apologised and that takes a man to do that.”