Johnson fumes at ‘substandard’ officials

Lee Johnson criticised referee Andy Davies and his assistants as Bristol City were sunk by Sheffield Wednesday substitute Lucas Joao.

The Portugal international replaced the injured Steven Fletcher after 18 minutes and scored twice in two minutes to send Wednesday into the play-off places.

“The first goal is at least three yards offside. It’s substandard officiating, it’s a travesty and I was devastated because the first goal is very important in the Championship,” Johnson, the City manager, said. “Officiating swung the game and that’s difficult to legislate for. We can’t let it continue and I don’t expect that to happen.”

City dominated the first period but could not convert their chances. Famara Diedhiou had a shot saved with the goal gaping in the first half and, after Lloyd Kelly struck a post, Adam Webster again forced Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson into a smart stop.

Bristol City’s profligacy proved costly and the visitors were much better after the break. Joao lashed home his first from a route-one approach. The game had barely restarted when the same player got the crucial second, this time assisted by Josh Onomah.

The hosts made a triple substitution with Andreas Weimann – who had surprisingly been left on the bench – Callum O’dowda and Marley Watkins new attacking threats.

O’dowda was brought down by Onomah in the box and Matty Taylor fired home the spot-kick, but it was not enough.

Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay was not happy with Joao despite his goals. He said: “Lucas came on and had a difficult time, but the goals gave him a boost. For him to score twice is good, but as a whole package, he can do a lot better.

“For him to start in our team he has to work and work and work. He can improve.”

Bristol City Sheffield Wednesday Subs Referee