Smith criticises referee after Brentford draw

Brentford boss Dean Smith criticised referee Jeremy Simpson following the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at Griffin Park.

Smith felt Blades goalscorer Chris Basham – already on a yellow card – should have been sent off for a foul on Ollie Watkins just prior to Chris Mepham netting the equaliser.

Simpson did dismiss two players immediately after that goal, with Brentford’s Ryan Woods and visiting goalkeeper Jamal Blackman both red-carded for their altercation in the penalty area.

Smith, who spoke to the match official after the game, said: “For me, Chris Basham should get sent off. He makes exactly the same challenge as he did for his first yellow card.

“But the referee decides one’s a booking and one isn’t. And certainly the goalkeeper deserves to get the red card but I’m not sure about Woods.”

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Despite the relentless downpour which made playing conditions difficult, Smith was also critical of his side’s overall performance.

They have now taken just two points from their last four games and Smith declared: “It was probably as poor as we’ve played at home in a long time.

“I can’t knock our character and spirit but on the ball we were very poor. Sheffield United worked hard and made it difficult for us, but our passing was very sloppy.

“Our final ball in and around the box wasn’t good enough and we were fortunate to get the point.”