Town 1-1 Coventry : Reaction

Last updated : 27 August 2003 By Site Editor
Royle was furious after a blatant elbow from Michael Doyle flattened Fabian Wilnis early in the first half, ironically the same player went on to score the equaliser for Coventry, bringing memories back of Sidwell from Reading on the opening day of the season who also should have been red carded and then went on to score against the blues.

Speaking in the after match press conference, Town manager Royle said : "It was the most blatant elbow you could ever wish to see. The lad who scored their goal should never have been on the pitch and I think everyone in the ground knew that.

"The linesman and the fourth official were only a few yards away and yet neither did anything. They might as well not be there if they're not going to make a stand. There were a few strange decisions but Coventry probably deserved the points."

"We're still struggling to find our rhythm but I was glad to get a point when we weren't playing at our best because I know we can do better."

However Coventry City player manager Gary McAllister, predictably had a different view of the course of events : "I was on the pitch when it happened so I was closer to the incident than Joe.

"Wilnis was holding my player and he was only trying to free himself. It was a natural reaction and even if there was a flailing arm there was certainly no malice intended."

"We dominated for long periods and had enough of the ball to possibly come away with three points. But it's never easy coming to Portman Road and Joe Royle's side are always very committed."