Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes bemoaned the “horrendous” penalty award that sent his side on the way to a cruel 2-0 first-leg defeat against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
Italian referee Fabio Maresca stopped play out of the blue before going to the monitor and penalising David Watson for catching Mohamed Elyounoussi on the calf as the pair challenged for a bouncing ball at a corner.
The former Celtic winger had already played the ball and his shot came to nothing and there were few discernible appeals for a spot-kick before the video assistant intervened.
Kevin Diks’ penalty was just out of Kieran O’Hara’s reach in the 77th minute and worse was to come for the visitors when Rasmus Falk volleyed home from a half-cleared corner seconds after the five minutes of stoppage-time were up.
McInnes told BBC Scotland’s Sportsound programme: “We spoke at half-time about how we had limited them to shots from distance and a few crosses.
“They hadn’t really done much to trouble us, they didn’t really disrupt our shape. The game played out exactly as I was hoping to be honest.
“We carried a threat and had some good moments in that first half, to give the players some encouragement we could get something from the game.
“Their manager made a few changes, they tried to move the ball a bit quicker and I thought they started the second half a bit better.
“But by and large we felt okay until the referee gets involved with the penalty kick.
“For me, it’s a horrendous decision. I think it’s extremely harsh. I don’t think it’s a clear and obvious error and it surprised everybody when he was asked to go over.
“Elyounoussi had got the first touch on it but I don’t think it impacts on him having a shot. It was just a coming-together and I don’t think it’s a penalty-kick.
“If he gives the penalty at the time I’d be really disappointed but maybe could understand it a wee bit more. But I just don’t think it’s a clear and obvious error.
“For the effort, work and organisation and everything we did in the game, to lose a goal like that is extremely harsh.”
Elyounoussi missed a sitter seconds after the opener before Killie again reverted to being solid until the closing seconds.
“The five minutes after that was probably their best spell in the game,” McInnes said. “I think it floored us a bit. I know how gutted I felt on the touchline and I know how it can knock the stuffing out of you.
“But other than that I thought we managed to see the game out except for the dying embers.
“Maybe we could have put the ball out for a throw instead of a corner, and I think we could head the ball up from the clearance, and then we were a wee bit on our heels at the edge of the box.
“At this level, when you see the quality of the finish, we are just annoyed they had the chance to have that shot.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
