PAUNOVIC: ‘REFEREEING DECISIONS COST US TWO POINTS’
READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic was left frustrated after the Royals were denied three penalty appeals in the second-half.
The Royals had to settle for a point after Tom Holmes’ outstanding bicycle kick was cancelled out by Mallik Wilks’ equaliser.
“We don’t have VAR here. I don’t understand,” said Paunovic.
“These kind of decisions cost us getting in the play-offs last year, and today it cost us two points so it’s difficult to cope with.
“We feel something is wrong about the way we are treated.
“We will refocus on the controllables and hope it’s genuine. I feel everyone should be kept accountable.
“I believe Swift’s penalty was on the line but that’s why you need VAR for clarity.
“There was a lot of grabbing from set pieces and corners.
“The path of the ball was intercepted by the hand and it isn’t in a natural position.
“I understand the flow of a jump but you can review a similar situation in the Newcastle v Norwich game where Newcastle were given a penalty after a review.
“It’s difficult because of the judgement of other people that we didn’t get a win today.”
Paunovic was quick to praise Holmes after his stunning opener.
“I think he learnt from me doing the bicycle kick last season when
I dislocated my shoulder,” continued Paunovic.
“I’m very happy for his first goal. He’s a smart kid that benefits from others.
“He’s got stronger and more robust and is still growing as a player in the Championship.
“Scott Dann is a huge influencer on our team and helps him very naturally, it’s a huge benefit for Tom.
“I believe the team had one of the best attacking performances of this season.
“I’m proud of my team. Even with the adversities we are dealing with, we carry on, we push forward, we believe in each other, we work hard, we play some good football and when we struggle we struggle together.
“The team are starting to learn how to play with each other better – how we can play with Andy up front, how we can build from the back with Tom and Scott, how we can bring the ball forward through Tom Dele-Bashiru, Swifty and Alen.
“Andy Yiadom has been dealing with a soft tissue issue for three games.
“He was able to manage it with the medical staff but his pain today was very acute.”