Referee Bates Apologises To Cardiff City

Cardiff City were denioed a second half headed goal on Saturday when the assistant referee indicated pulling by Aron Gunnarsson in the build up. Referee Tony Bates immediately blew to halt the celebrations but has now admitted a mistake was made.

Malky Mackay was furious with the decision, and stormed off up the tunnel for at least 10 seconds before returning to remonstrate with the fourth official. There seemed little wrong with the goal on first glance and Icelander Gunnarsson took to twitter after the game to deny any wrongdoing.

Macaky blasted the decision as horrendous and embarassing and has now revealed that his feelings are now shared by referee Bates who has since seen replays of the incident. Mackay told BBC Sport:


'He called me back today and apologised because he's seen it.'

'He watched it seven or eight times and said there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.'


The apology of course means nothing to City now, and it's frustrating because this has happened on several occasions this season (recently whilst only 1-0 down during a 3-0 defeat to Hull City). Referee Bates deserves great credit for his actions, especially having not been at fault.

Whilst incredibly frustrating and seemingly unfair, Malky Mackay must not forget that we did not play well and while a 1-0 victory would have been fairest, after a 0-0 draw, few would have felt we were 'robbed'. Sometimes these decisions can detract from the truth, that being that Cardiff City are in woeful form, short of goals, confidence and creativity.

Move on, and make the next game count.

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