Portsmouth manager John Mousinho commented on Connor Ogilvie’s red card during the match against Oxford United, stating that he thought the decision was not “clear cut,” although he acknowledged that the defender should not have made the tackle.
Ogilvie received his marching orders just 17 minutes into the game for a lunging challenge on Stan Mills, which provoked a strong reaction from the home crowd.
Portsmouth initially took the lead, but as the match progressed, Oxford found their rhythm and ultimately equalized late in the game, courtesy of a goal from Andre Dozzell.
“In real time, I don’t think anyone in the stadium expected it to be a red card, including the Oxford team,” Mousinho remarked on BBC Radio Solent. “In high-stakes matches like this, if you’re going to make such a significant call, you need to be absolutely certain, and I don’t believe it was a clear-cut decision.
“That being said, I won’t shy away from the fact that Connor didn’t need to make that challenge, but if that is deemed a red card, then there should be quite a few more given in similar situations.”
Mousinho also reflected on the tight standings at the bottom of the league, stating, “We aimed to win today, and I’m not sure the draw benefits either side significantly. Given the situation, we’ll gladly accept the equalizer late in the match.”
Portsmouth will next face Middlesbrough in a Championship match on Saturday.