Calvin Bassey was left frustrated with refereeing decisions as Fulham battled from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday, Bold Sports
The Super Eagles defender said Fulham deserved more from the game, but felt officials made key errors that affected the outcome.
“Especially the second half we pushed could have deserved more. We had some good moments,” Bassey told Sky Sports after the match. “We did well to get back into the game. Of course, they have missed a penalty as well.”
The penalty came after Bassey was penalised for a challenge in the box, a call he strongly disagreed with. “I think it is harsh. I understand why it is given. Where my foot is, I am trying to stay strong. I have sort of pulled him over my foot. Refs have got to protect us as well. I am strong. If it is someone stronger, it doesn’t look as bad. You have seen it given, and you have not seen it. Everything looks worse in slo-mo. Something to learn for me and all the boys – to be a bit more streetwise.”
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Bruno Fernandes went on to miss the spot-kick, which Bassey felt was poetic justice. “I say it is justice. I didn’t think it was a pen, and then he missed it, so sort of a let off.”
The bigger talking point for the Nigerian defender, however, was Manchester United’s opening goal. He insisted he was fouled in the build-up by 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro.
“It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball and it is an advantage to him. It should have been disallowed,” Bassey said. “When the referee looks back at it I think they will be disappointed. I cannot say too much, otherwise I will get a fine! It is a foul. When you go up to a jump, any little touch can put you off. He wasn’t trying to speak to me – he was trying to speak to my captain. What do you want me to do? Jump on the floor. It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball.”
Speaking later to BBC Match of the Day, Bassey doubled down on his frustration. “Of course, looking back maybe a bit too much force. One of those ones I have got to protect myself and get in a position to attack the ball. You have seen them given, and you have seen them not. When you look at everything back in slo-mo, it is always going to be a foul. The ref has to take into consideration the difference in strength. If someone is my size, it doesn’t look as bad.”
He added: “For me, it is clear and obvious. He has got two hands in the back and he [Leny Yoro] has created an advantage for himself. If there is no contact, I get up there and fight with him. He has clearly stopped me from getting to the ball. For me, it should clearly be a foul.”
Fulham had the last laugh though, with Emile Smith Rowe volleying home an Alex Iwobi cross to earn a point for the London side.
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