Wednesday 18 March 2015 15:19, UK
Sky Sports football analyst Garry Birtles agrees with Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe that the Cherries were denied a perfectly-good goal during their 1-1 draw at Cardiff on Tuesday.
With the game level at one apiece in the 73rd minute, a drop kick by Bluebirds' goalkeeper Simon Moore struck Callum Wilson before looping back over the Cardiff player and against the crossbar, with Wilson reacting quickly to slip the ball into an empty net.
However, referee Lee Mason disallowed the goal and promptly booked Wilson but Birtles believes the official made the wrong decision.
The former Nottingham Forest and Manchester United striker said: “The goal should have been given. He’s done nothing wrong.
“He’s not put a foot up. Just stood his ground and the goalkeeper has just blasted it into his back. It has to stand. It’s the wrong decision.”
And Birtles also thinks the referee (Nigel Miller) got it wrong by sending off James Vaughan for his goal celebration during Huddersfield’s 2-2 draw with Norwich at the John Smith's Stadium.
“It’s the worst law in the game of football when you can't celebrate a goal," he said. "It's passion and to get sent off for something like that is just ridiculous. The law needs changing.”
But he praised Norwich substitute Jamar Loza whose last gasp equaliser salvaged a point for the Canaries deep into injury time.
'Difference'
Birtles said: “That’s real composure. He took a touch and finished it. He knew how important it was, looked like it was dead and buried, but that will give them a very good chance of getting automatic promotion.”
On Troy Deeney, whose double against Wigan on Tuesday, made it eight goals in 10 games for the Watford striker Birtles said: “He’s not always started games, he’s come off the bench but he’s made such a difference.
“He looks leaner and meaner this season. His fitness levels are better and he makes something happen, makes it difficult for defenders.”
Birtles, meanwhile, has praised new Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman who has rejuvenated the side since replacing Stuart Pearce last month.
Forest entertain Rotherham on Wednesday evening and Birtles said: "I think all the players are singing off the same hymm sheet. They are buying into his methods and training.
“They are playing a higher pressing game now. They looked particularly good against Bournemouth, won 2-1, and followed that up with a win against Middlesbrough.
“It seems the players are happier now. I don’t know why it wasn’t when Stuart and Steve Wigley were there.
“But they play six of the top 10 towards the end of the season, so it will be a monumental effort to get into the play-offs.”
As for the race for promotion in the Championship, Birtles added: "Norwich and Derby have decent run-ins but I fancy Middlesbrough to maintain it. Watford have a great chance too and Brentford are the dark horses if you look at their run-in."
