Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Elliott Jackson

'An embarrassment' - The controversial decision that weakens Oxford United at Bolton Wanderers

Oxford United will be without striker Billy Bodin against Bolton Wanderers after he was sent off against Portsmouth.

The Trotters welcome the out-of-form Us to the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday looking to continue their charge towards the League One play-off places. For Oxford, they have found this season difficult and boss Karl Robinson was left furious with the officials during their draw with Portsmouth.

Striker Bodin was dismissed for two bookings whilst Portsmouth levelled in the 78th minute through Colby Bishop which left Robinson dismayed. Bodin, along with fellow forward Matty Taylor, will now miss Saturday's match through suspension.

READ MORE: Bolton boss Ian Evatt on facing 'wounded animal' Oxford, team news update & Burton final say

“I’m so proud of my players and what they give," Robinson said. "From me and my point of view, I don’t understand what he’s seen.

“Again it’s nothing short of an embarrassment, when you see the handball, it’s unbelievable. You’re coming here against a good team, who are in the top six and players that we know are very, very good players.

“They’re a good team, they’re well-coached and well-managed. From the front end of the pitch and centrally, they’ve got some really good players, and we for 45 minutes were very good.

My players are giving me everything. Billy Bodin shouldn’t have been booked in the first half, it wasn’t a booking.

“You want him to come off it a little bit, but part of who he is, is he cares. When you’re in the middle of a game, you forget sometimes and he just went into a tackle. He knew right away.

“I get booked for having a go, because I care. Because my hand’s towards his face, which I know I can’t do. I’m frustrated but I’m equally proud of my players, and the fans who travelled to watch us play.”

Don't miss a thing from the club you love! For all the latest updates on Wanderers, sign up to our free newsletter packed with all the latest news here.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.