Russell Martin was a frustrated man as he looked back on what he believes was a classic game of “two halves” last night and he reflected on a first half that he felt the Swans controlled before a red card turned the game.
But whilst the Swans boss said that the decision to send Ryan Manning was, in his belief, the wrong one he refused to be drawn on blaming the referee for the poor way that his side started the second half.
The Swans were one down within thirty seconds of the restart thanks to a sloppy pass from keeper Andy Fisher whilst the game was effectively over less than 10 minutes later when the generosity of the Swans defence saw Fulham clear and it was the unfortunate Ben Cabango who deflected the ball into the back of the net.
The game from that point forwards was only heading one way and the eventual 5-1 scoreline was a fairly accurate reflection of the second half performance where the Swans were simply not at the races despite a well worked Joel Piroe goal.
“The red card is the most important factor of the night. It has totally changed the game,” said Martin after the game.
“For the 40 minutes up until then we were fantastic, we had control and some of the stuff we played with the ball was incredible.
“The first 15 minutes was probably as well as we have started all season, so I am disappointed for the players and fans that such a good start, such a good atmosphere has been undone by a very poor decision.
“I know it’s an emotional game and the officials have a tough job, there is no doubt about it, but I could not believe how quickly he got the red card out.
“But, by the same token, the referee is not to blame for the start of the second half. That was really poor.
“We followed that up by conceding another goal shortly after, and that is down to game management and we have to get better at that, but the game is done after that against a team who have been scoring for fun against 11 men, let alone 10.”
Poor referee decision?? Wilson was being targeted all night and the challenge was studs up and reckless. A nailed on red card!
The ref WOULD have been wrong if he had not sent him off, on what basis do Swansea feel they have a case !! He tackled from behind, studs up, caught the player above the Achilles/lower leg literally taking him off his feet, if they appeal then all involved should have bans or increased bands.
Sick of play acting and then pleading innocence when found guilty.
Awful tackle by a player already sent off this season, no sympathy at all,after the Red card there was only one winner.I get the opposition wants to beat fuham but not with tackles like that.