Karl Robinson was outraged following Oxford United’s opening day draw at promotion hopefuls, Sunderland.
The U’s took the lead after 14 minutes when Tariqe Fosu netted on his debut following some good play involving another debutant, Ben Woodburn.
But after Rob Dickie had a goal ruled out, which would have given his side a two-goal advantage, and a controversial penalty which was tucked away for an equaliser, Robinson was unhappy with both decisions.
“We deserved a lot more than we got against the best team in the league away from home”, Robinson told the Oxford Mail.
“The goal Rob Dickie scores is embarrassing. Jamie had a tug, but the keeper’s pulling him all the place. How can he affect him when Rob’s actually in front of him? It’s not like he stopped him coming out, he missed the ball. He’s nowhere near it.”
The U’s led 1-0 at the break, and despite having a goal chalked off, the U’s faced more controversy four minutes into the second half when Josh Ruffels was judged to have fouled Lyndon Gooch in the box before the American slotted home the resulting penalty.
“Ruffs told me he touched the ball and then the man. I’m not going to say by who because I’ll get done, but it was one of the worst performances I’ve seen all season.
“I’m furious because my players deserved more and they never seem to get it. I feel sorry for them sometimes because they showed tremendous desire and application. And why shouldn’t you when you’re followed by the fans who travel up and down the country.”
Despite the result, it was an impressive display by Robinson’s side. Fosu looked lively and deserved his goal, while Woodburn caused lots of problems playing in behind Jamie Mackie.
Fellow debutants Chris Cadden and Alex Gorrin picked up where they left off in pre-season and looked comfortable on the pitch.
Elliott Moore, signed on Thursday, also made his debut, albeit for a few minutes towards the end, and there was also a spell for Rob Hall to make a return to the field.
