Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has voiced his frustration over Hamza Dewan Choudhury’s controversial red card following his side’s 3-2 defeat to Portsmouth in the English Championship. The Bangladesh-born midfielder was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, while Sheffield were also left disappointed after being denied a late penalty.
Portsmouth took the lead in the 41st minute before doubling their advantage nine minutes into the second half. Sheffield, however, mounted an impressive comeback, reducing the deficit in the 59th minute before scoring again eight minutes later to level the score at 2-2.
With momentum seemingly shifting in Sheffield’s favour, the visitors had an opportunity to secure a positive result. But Portsmouth struck in the 89th minute to regain the lead and eventually claim a 3-2 victory.
The defeat was particularly frustrating for Sheffield, who had fought their way back from two goals down. However, Hamza’s dismissal shortly before half-time had already added to the challenges facing the team.
The midfielder received his second yellow card following an incident involving Portsmouth player Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. After attempting to take the ball through Hamza’s legs, Kavuma-McQueen went to ground. Referee Oliver Langford awarded a foul and showed Hamza a second yellow card, forcing him to leave the pitch.
Wilder questioned the decision, claiming that Langford had initially indicated that he would not issue a second booking before changing his mind. The Sheffield manager also questioned whether Hamza could realistically have avoided contact with his opponent in that situation.
Speaking after the match, Wilder expressed his disbelief at the referee’s decision.
“Where else is Hamza supposed to go? Honestly, I just cannot understand where he was supposed to go,” he said.
The Sheffield boss also admitted that he had to be careful when discussing the incident publicly. Although he was clearly unhappy with the decision, he suggested that there were limits to what he could say about the referee’s performance.
“I do not understand where Hamza was supposed to be in that moment. I have to be very careful with what I say because there are things I might want to say that I cannot,” Wilder added.
The controversial dismissal was not the only incident to provoke the Sheffield manager’s anger. He also questioned the decision not to award his side a penalty in the closing stages of the match.
According to Wilder, one of his players was pulled down by his shirt inside Portsmouth’s penalty area. He claimed that the shirt was almost pulled off the player’s body, yet the referee did not award a spot-kick.
“Even right at the end of the game, one of our players was pulled inside the penalty area. His shirt was almost pulled off his body, and you could clearly see it. These things have left me extremely frustrated,” he said.
For Sheffield, the defeat was a bitter disappointment after their determined response to going two goals behind. Their comeback had put them in a position to challenge for a result, but Portsmouth’s late winner ultimately ended their hopes.
Hamza’s dismissal and the rejected penalty appeal have since become the main talking points surrounding the contest. Wilder’s comments reflected his dissatisfaction with the decisions made at crucial moments, although the match result remained unchanged.
Portsmouth secured all three points with a 3-2 victory, while Sheffield were left to reflect on a spirited comeback that fell short and a match overshadowed by contentious refereeing decisions.
