Birmingham City’s 29-game unbeaten home run in league football was ended by Hull City on Saturday
Referee Ruebyn Ricardo during the Championship match between Birmingham City and Hull City
Ruebyn Ricardo was under the spotlight on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch after his eventful afternoon at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Saturday.
Ricardo dished out 10 yellow cards and sent off Jack Robinson in Birmingham City’s defeat to Hull City.
The referee, who officiated in the National League last year, should have sent another player off according to ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher.
Ricardo awarded Blues a stoppage time penalty when Lyndon Dykes went down under a challenge, adjudged to have been made by John Egan but replays show that Matt Crooks was the actual offender.
Crooks had already been booked by Ricardo and would therefore have been given his marching orders to restore parity for the final minutes.
Gallagher said: “It was a tough afternoon for the referee. I watched a lot of this game and it really was a tough one for him.
“He’s of the opinion that John Egan committed the foul. He hasn’t got that angle, but you look at that angle and it’s a colleague who commits the foul.
“He was already on a yellow card, so he would’ve been sent off.”
Former striker Jay Bothroyd commented: “I don’t understand that one. It’s not like the referee is far away. He should see that. That is a terrible decision.
“I’m baffled as to why he can’t see that. It’s not like there’s a scuffle or coming together – there’s two players there and he’s maybe 20 yards away.”
Was the decision costly? Have your say HEREGet the latest Blues headlines sent straight to your phone
BirminghamLive has its very own Birmingham City WhatsApp community to deliver the latest headlines straight to your phone. Just click this link to receive daily Blues content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. Click on the name at the top of your screen while in WhatsApp and click ‘Exit Group’. Read our Privacy Notice.