Sheffield United: Chris Wilder fires back at Bristol City manager Liam Manning following play-off flashpoint | OneFootball

Wilder disagrees with red card controversy as Blades crush Bristol City

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder strongly rejected Liam Manning’s claims that Rob Dickie’s red card was the decisive and unjust turning point in their 3-0 Championship play-off semi-final first leg success over the Robins.

The Blades now carry a dominant advantage into Monday night’s return leg at Bramall Lane, thanks to goals from Harrison Burrows, Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare.

City manager Manning was left furious after referee Oliver Langford dismissed defender Dickie just before half-time for dragging down Kieffer Moore in the penalty area, calling the decision “a major error” and pointing to concerns his club had about Langford’s appointment before kick-off.

Chris Wilder hits back at Liam Manning over Rob Dickie red card controversy

Wilder dismissed the criticism, stating: “I don't think he [Dickie] made an attempt to play the ball. He's just dragged him back.”

He also spoke of United not getting some contentious decisions in previous match between the two sides, referencing the 1-1 draw back at Bramall Lane in March.

“Did he mention about the two penalties at our place in the last minute?" Wilder quizzed.

"Listen, it's an emotional game. In the game at our place, I asked for the observations on two penalties and they said the second one was. We had to suffer then, dropping two big points.”

“Of course it swings the game in our favour but there's still a job to do. What shape they were going to come out with, how they were going to approach it. They brought Sinclair Armstrong onto the pitch.”

"They sat in and we had to find those moments while still being diligently defensively."

Bristol City will now face an uphill battle in Monday’s second leg after a night defined by a pivotal refereeing decision and a clinical Sheffield United performance.

Rob Dickie’s red card, shown in first-half stoppage time for a foul on Kieffer Moore, drew immediate protest from head coach Liam Manning, who confirmed the club had raised concerns about referee Oliver Langford ahead of the match.

“We called up to ask the question of why the appointment, but we were told it was suitable,” Manning said, labelling the dismissal a “major error".

Up until the sending off, the Robins had matched United in a competitive contest, going close through Joe Williams and seeing a Tyrese Campbell goal ruled out, but once Burrows converted from the spot, the tie swung in the visitors’ favour.

Second-half goals from Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare punished City’s ten men, as the Blades capitalised on their numerical advantage and their bench depth.

While Manning praised United’s strength in transition and the quality of their substitutes, he admitted the red card changed the game.

“I just feel a bit for everyone associated with the club,” Manning added. Bristol City now need to overturn a three-goal deficit to keep their promotion hopes alive.