By Gareth James
Mark Hudson believes TV replays prove referee James Linington made a huge mistake that laid the ground for Cardiff City’s 3-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
Caretaker Bluebirds manager Hudson was unimpressed by the decision of Linington to award QPR an early penalty and send off defender Jack Simpson.
The controversial moment came just 18 minutes into the game when Simpson tangled with Sinclair Armstrong as the QPR forward surged into the penalty area.
Replays show the players coming together, but certainly no evidence of a foul and less still of something that warranted a red card – although it could be argued Simpson was the last defender.
Hudson admitted he was having to choose his words carefully for a fear of a disrepute charge and yet it was the referee’s reputation that seemed to be harmed by the evidence.
Hudson said: “The turning point in the game was the penalty and the red card.
This is why you have to question the standard of refereeing. Where is VAR when you need it?
Championship game: QPR v Cardiff last night
Penalty awarded along with a straight red card. Spot the offence 🤔🤷🏻♂️
Can someone please explain where the pen is & the red card offence? https://t.co/84Ku5OQ0Wz
— #FPL Bluebird 🏴 (Paul) (@Cardiff_FPL) October 20, 2022
“I have to be very careful about what I say or I’ll get myself in trouble. But for me, it’s never a red card. Worst-case scenario, it’s a penalty.
“But I’ve seen it back and the striker kicks the back of Jack’s leg. I disagree with the decision and I spoke to the referee about it at half-time, but he’d made his decision. I can’t see how it’s a red card.
“This is a very difficult place to come and QPR are in good form. I asked the players to play with grit and determination, and you saw that willingness to run and close gaps.
“But it’s going to be difficult when you’re down to 10 men. I feel sorry for our fans who have come all this way on a Wednesday night and will get back late.”
After taking seven points from hist first three matches in charge, Hudson’s Bluebirds have now suffered back-to-back defeats following the home loss to Coventry City.
#twitterblades This is the clown who turned down the Berge penalty at home to QPR. Take a look at the penalty he’s gave QPR tonight! And to top it off, he then sent the Cardiff defender off! pic.twitter.com/6pTwzcpnT5
— SutherlandRoad (@Sutherl01439557) October 19, 2022
They have slipped to 18th in the table and are only four points above the relegation zone, having scored just 12 goals in their 15 matches – the lowest total in the division apart from Preston, who have scored only nine.
They face a derby day trip to rivals Swansea City on Sunday, a team in good form, having won five of their last six matches.
In-form striker Lyndon Dykes scored twice as the R’s went top of the Championship amid speculation over the future of manager Michael Beale.
Dutch left-back Kenneth Paal’s first Rangers goal sealed a comfortable victory at Loftus Road.
However, the mood of the home fans was very much tempered by the prospect of boss Beale leaving.
Beale is reportedly in the frame to take over at Wolves less than four months – and a mere 15 Sky Bet Championship matches – into his first managerial role. His departure would be a huge blow for the west London club.
Beale said: “I haven’t spoken to (QPR director of football) Les Ferdinand or anyone, so as far as I’m aware nothing has changed.
‘The idea is to go to the Premier League together.’ 📈#QPR manager Mick Beale gives his take on the rumours linking with a move him to Wolves… 🐺 pic.twitter.com/UyMPeZbvwP #football
— Shuja Ahmed Ch. (@iShujaAhmedCh) October 20, 2022
“I took the decision to turn my phone off because we had this game to concentrate on. The moment Les speaks to me I’ll know one way or another and then the club will communicate whatever we communicate.
“If an offer comes in officially, you don’t have to take it. You have to weigh up everything. There are a lot of questions you need to get answers to.
“I did come from the Premier League to work here. I do know that level. I’ve worked for some of the biggest clubs, so I do know the expectations of those places.
“I felt over-ready for this job and I feel supremely confident in this job. It’s 100 per cent a dream of mine to manage in the Premier League. That’s not a secret.
“But it has to be the right opportunity, the right moment and the right club. And they would have to give me a really clear understanding of where that club is going.
“When I was with (Glasgow) Rangers I turned down seven or eight chances to be a manager. There are some things I look for.”