Coventry City match reaction from CoventryLive as Watford manager Valerien Ismael assesses the Sky Blues’ 3-3 result.
Watford manager Valerien Ismael accused Haji Wright of assaulting one of his players in the build-up to Coventry City’s late equaliser at the CBS Arena.
The Hornets manager claimed the Sky Blues striker slapped centre-back Ryan Porteous in the face with a “fist in the face” as they tussled at the byline before the USA international brought the ball back for Matty Godden to race onto and score City’s third equaliser in the 3-3 draw.
Ismael was irritated that referee David Webb missed the incident, after accusing him of making the incorrect handball ruling that resulted in Coventry being handed an early penalty, despite goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann stopping Godden’s spot-kick.
“I actually think it was a great game,” he stated. “The players had a great attitude, and we played some great football.” On the plus side, we scored three goals in a difficult away encounter against a tough opponent.
“There was a great attitude from (Wesley) Hoedt after conceding a silly (own) goal, so I saw a lot of positives, and also having to fight against the referee’s decisions.””Unbelievable!” he said of the first-half penalty. I don’t understand because we had a meeting with managers, players, referees, and videos before the season, and the issue was this type of penalty.
“They said it wouldn’t be a penalty, but it is today, and the referee’s line is difficult to understand.” And the third goal (from Haji Wright) is a clear fist in the face for Porteous, but ‘play on’.
“It wasn’t a hand, it was a fist.” Ryan Porteous is someone I know well, and we watched the clear footage. “I don’t understand the linesman next to him.”
When asked if he spoke with the match authorities, he replied, “It makes no sense to speak with the officials.” We have a meeting before each game, and then what happens during the game is completely different. I’ve just discovered that discussing makes no sense.
“Under these conditions, you must take one point.” Overall, we’re still heading in the right direction, which is encouraging.”
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