BRADFORD City boss Mark Hughes praised a “common sense” decision to show his goalkeeper Harry Lewis a yellow card for handling outside the area.
Newport County AFC were frustrated that the Bantams stayed with 11 men on the field after the incident in the 21st minute.
Referee Sam Allinson deemed that Lewis, who was confused by the rugby markings that were painted green, hadn’t denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and opted to show yellow rather than red.
“He just thought the line was white,” said Hughes. “I think it’s supposed to be blue or green but the rain had washed it away.
“I think the referee displayed common sense. He understood that it wasn’t intentional.
“Harry genuinely thought he was in the penalty area. It wasn’t deliberate and I think the referee got it right.”
Hughes was more content with the point after snow disrupted his side’s preparations.
“We couldn’t train on Friday, which wasn’t the ideal preparation. So, we have to be grateful for the point, I suppose,” said the Wales legend.
“I thought we were very much the better team in the first half.
“Second half, they upped their game a little bit, but the goal was a speculative ball into the box, they were hoping for a bit of luck and that’s exactly what they got.”
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