Mark Robins was disappointed with the red card shortly before the break. Image: PA.
A FREE handball ruling against Kyle McFadzean that resulted in the defender’s dismissal gave Coventry City every reason to feel hard on Tuesday night, says manager Mark Robins.
The Sky Blues were ousted 2-0 on Kenilworth Road by Luton Town. With that, City remains anchored in the battle against relegation, remaining in 20th place, just six points above the drop zone after playing three more games than Rotherham United, who occupied the final relegation spot.
Elijah Adebayo’s 42nd-minute penalty followed immediately after McFadzean’s red – and doubled Luton’s lead after James Bree scored the first goal mid-half.
It was another night of frustration for Robins as his side extended their winless championship run to six games.
“Ultimately, we’re going to score from time to time this season, which is difficult because nobody likes to lose, but we can’t just do the same things – outside the home the results weren’t good enough,” said the 51-year-old.
“Kyle was absolutely convinced it wasn’t handball and after seeing it it looks like his shoulder.
“From the referee’s point of view in real time, the body movement may have made it look like he was playing it with his hand. It’s disappointing because it really cost us.
“We had to take our risk, Max [Biamou] Had three brilliant chances, he hit the inside of the post with the first one and then they hit, the second goal was really a killer. “
It will be another important game for Coventry this weekend as the Wycombe Wanderers visit St. Andrew’s in the basement on Saturday.