Mackay's Tunnel Vision After Bad Penalty Decision

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay did not enjoy the best of birthdays, at least in a footballing sense as his side were beaten by Brighton last night but the passionate Scot was left frustrated with several decisions that went against his side - and he certainly let his emotions show.

Following the game, Mackay cited a decision by referee Keith Stroud not to award a penalty for a foul on Craig Bellamy as a particularly poor decision. Bellamy was in full flight and flying down the outside of Adam El-Abd on the City left when he was bundled over. Recognising the foul, Stroud did award City a free-kick but Mackay was incensed that a penalty had not been given.

Following the decision, Malky stormed off down the tunnel - the third time last night I had noticed him disappear down their when a decision had gone against us. Whether in a show of anger, a calming down mechanism to avoid reprimands from the 4th official or because he has a TV monitor system down there - I don't know! However, he emerged moments later to see the danger comfortably cleared by the visitors and City once again struggling to break through.

After the game, Mackay told BBC Sport:

"Craig was on the line going into the box and the ruling is that`s a penalty, so the referee got that wrong."


Cardiff City fans have definitely taken to Malky mackay's passionate and assertive attitude. It has not harmed that we have been enjoying considerable success since he took over but Mackay works tremendously hard and shows the right character, determination and positivity to bring the fans onside - even with off-field discontent rife amongst supporters.

Whatever Malky does down that tunnel, he is largely doing things right and it's a far far cry from seeing Dave Jones leaning against the dugout and mustering an outstretched hand or shrug when things don't go our way....!

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