Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes Swansea City’s opening goal against Bristol City would’ve been disallowed if Max O’Leary made more of the contact with winger Ronald.
After an entertaining, end-to-end first 15 minutes, the hosts were able to find a breakthrough when Ben Cabango met Jisung Eom’s corner at the back post. The goal was met with plenty of controversy, however, with O’Leary protesting with referee Andrew Kitchen over a foul on the ‘keeper in the build-up to the Swans’ opener.
Despite the man in the middle waving away the claims from City’s number one, replays showed Ronald appearing to block the 27-year-old from claiming the corner.
It’s a decision which infuriated Robins boss Liam Manning, who was left disappointed that pre-season meetings with referees and the EFL over fouls on goalkeepers has not been followed up.
With City’s contest against the Swans being televised live on Sky Sports, pundit Hendrie was able to give analysis on the host’s controversial opening goal and why it shouldn’t have stood.
When asked at half-time whether there was a foul on O’Leary, the 47-year-old said, “It was a really frantic half with lots of really big chances. You have to highlight the goalkeeper here. I actually think if he makes more of the actual situation, he gets the foul.
Bristol City Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
“But he doesn’t and that’s where you have to say there is certainly the contact there from Ronald, where he’s got him around there. I just think if he (O’Leary) pushes him off or he does something a little bit different (it’s ruled out).”
Although replays showed a possible foul on O’Leary in the build-up to Cabango’s strike, it didn’t mask the fact that the centre-back was left unmarked in the City box after escaping Max Bird.
And Hendrie was less than impressed with the Robins’ defending and was adamant it was far too easy for the Swans to break through their armoury.
He added: “You then have to highlight where Cabango gets away from Max Bird and it’s far too easy. I think there’s a slight little block when he gets away but it’s far too easy from a Bristol City perspective.”