Sheffield United currently faces its fourth FA charge this season after a halftime fight during a highly charged draw with Coventry City and manager Chris Wilder admits this must be followed by changes within the club’s internal structure. The Blades manager defended his team on the Sky Sports Ref Watch show where pundits debated the match’s tension that led to United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic getting a red card after responding to a provocation by Coventry’s Norman Bassette.
Ahmedhodzic was incited by the Belgian youngster who had insulted him earlier through an elbow at the back of the head as they both fell. As a result, Ahmedhodzic was banned for three games in total. Nonetheless, Sheffield United was clearly unhappy with Bassette’s subsequent actions – winking and blowing a kiss to Tyrese Campbell, as it seemed, because she was pleased by his actions. However, while other pundits such as Sue Smith and Jay Bothroyd tried to play it down, Wilder said, “I don’t think it is funny from Sky’s side, where commentators are laughing about it.” It’s not all fun and games. The referee bad enough to do his job without such tomfooleries.
Recorded in the referee Darren Bond’s report was the conflict between the two teams at the halftime at the CBS Arena for which charges had been placed against both Sheffield United and Coventry City. However, the Blades have previously been punished for similar scuffles in the other games, and, according to Wilder, each case should be judged individually. He said, “I notice each occurrence as an individual episode.” No matter what I do, I am aware of how it will affect the clubs financially.
There is a fine line. In my view, Wrexham deserved this punishment; I believe Watford deserved it much more. The scandal connected with Portsmouth also did not qualify for punishment, on the grounds of provocation and the episode which took place during the weekend. Internally problems will be solved and the matter will be dealt with the FA in an honest manner, fully expecting to take whatever sanctions may be given.
There has been prior talk between Wilder and Ahmedhodzic over the red-card case, and Sheffield United may be subjected to other penalties for the latest allegations, with the team previously receiving a £40,000 fine due to a fight during the previous season.
‘We must look to sort out our own affairs first, and as for the FA’s disciplinary proceedings then prepare for it openly without any pretensions, ready to accept the verdict,’ said Wilder finally.Wrexham never deserved the penalty, let alone Watford. Neither did Portsmouth I suppose.
Fans want to see commitment in the game, players battling for the team, not engaging in physical combats. If it oversteps as it did against Watford, we’ll take our punishment. As you know it is an emotional and competitive game but we should not forget about the origin of the football.