It should not have been a Penalty

The penalty awarded against Darren Dennehy at Edgar Street yesterday has been questioned by virtually every reporter at the game. Even the Southend manager thought it was harsh.

Here's a few of the comments:

The Little Gazette - An interesting penalty decision three minutes from time handed the Blues the points on a plate and pushed Hereford further into the mire at the foot of the table.

Bulls debutant Darren Dennehy did seem to take the ball with his tackle on sub Francis Laurent, who in fairness got straight back up to continue play, but in the view of everyone on the ground with the exception of referee Simon Hooper the official pointed to the spot.

The Hereford Times - But the game was settled three minutes from the end by a dreadful penalty decision by referee Simon Hooper.

Debutant Dennehy clearly won the ball in his challenge on Laurent and Hooper pointed to the spot.

To compound his error, Hooper also booked Denehy before Robinson scored from the spot.

Hereford United Official Website - Just as the game appeared to be drifting towards a goalless draw the visitors, just four minutes from time, were gifted the game by an extraordinary refereeing decision.

Francis Laurent, with his back to goal, beautifully turned Dennehy before bearing down on goal on the right side of the penalty area. The Irish loanee, who hadn't put a foot wrong all afternoon, slid in to dispossess the Southend striker with a superbly-timed tackle.

There was not the slightest doubt that the defender took the ball and not the man but Mr Hooper, to round off a wretched refereeing performance, waved away the animated protests of the home defenders to award a penalty and book the hapless Dennehy.

Shrimpers On Line - Then on 87 minutes came the game changing decision. Laurent burst into the box and got the wrong side of Dennehy. The defender slid in and hooked the ball away but to the amazement of the Hereford players and also the Southend fans who were no more than 10 yards from the tackle the ref blew up and pointed to the spot. At the very least it was incredibly harsh! Robinson took responsibilty for the penalty and calmly tucked the spot kick away against his former club.

Bulls News - With just a few minutes to go, Southend won it thanks to an awful refereeing decision from Hooper. A ball into the box was controlled by Laurent who turned away from Dennehy but the Irish defender got back to get a firm foot on the ball with a perfectly timed tackle yet to the shock of everyone in the ground, the referee pointed to the spot.

Southend United Manager - If I was the Hereford manager Graham Turner I would be very disappointed with the penalty because I'm not sure it was not one - it was harsh.

Hereford United Manager - He (Dennehy) let the lad get the wrong side of him but I thought it was a superb tackle. He stretched out a long leg, took the ball as cleanly as anything and I think everybody on the ground was amazed to hear the whistle go and see the referee give a penalty.

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