The defender highlights crucial moments that shifted the game against Hibernian.
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In a recent match that left fans and players alike scratching their heads, Ross County’s defender James Brown voiced his frustrations regarding the officiating during their 3-1 defeat to Hibernian. The match, held on Saturday, saw County take an early lead, only to be undone by a series of controversial decisions that Brown believes directly impacted the outcome.
Early momentum and a controversial equalizer
Ross County started the match strong, with an early goal from Eli Campbell instilling confidence in the team. For much of the first half, they appeared to be in control, limiting Hibernian’s chances and maintaining a solid defensive structure.
However, the tide turned dramatically in stoppage time when Hibernian equalized through Dwight Gayle, a goal that Brown argues should never have happened. The referee, Lloyd Wilson, allowed the play to continue beyond the allotted five minutes of stoppage time, a decision that left Brown and his teammates bewildered.
Penalties and pivotal moments
The second half saw Hibernian awarded two penalties, one of which was saved by County’s goalkeeper Jack Hamilton. However, the second penalty, converted by Elie Youan, proved to be a turning point. Brown expressed disappointment over the decisions leading to the penalties, stating that the team had been in a commanding position before the equalizer shifted the momentum. He emphasized that had they gone into halftime with a 1-0 lead, the outcome could have been vastly different.
Referee’s performance under scrutiny
Brown did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating, suggesting that the referee’s performance was subpar and that it felt like an ‘ego decision’ rather than a fair assessment of the game. He noted that even with the introduction of VAR, such mistakes should not occur, and the team felt the impact of these decisions heavily. As they prepare for their next match against St Mirren, Brown remains hopeful but acknowledges the weight of their away record, which has now extended to 26 matches without a win.
Despite the setbacks, Brown insists that the team is not losing faith. He remarked on the closeness of their performances and the potential for rapid changes in fortune within the league. With the season still in its early stages, he believes that with hard work and determination, Ross County can turn their fortunes around.
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