Tim Sherwood shocked by Sky Sports footage of Portsmouth incident v Coventry
Portsmouth are in a precarious position in the Championship as the games come thick and fast in the run-in.
Pompey faced Coventry City on Wednesday night (9 April) with Frank Lampard’s hosts chasing the play-offs, as John Mousinho and his side look to move clear of the chasing pack hovering around the drop zone.
The Blues’ away form has severely let them down this campaign, but there are now just two left on the road and three at Fratton Park to secure safety for another season.
Tim Sherwood fires shot at official after Andre Dozzell incident
The first half at the CBS Arena was an open affair with chances at both ends, as Regan Poole struck the crossbar for Portsmouth with a close-range header, and Coventry missed two opportune headers of their own.
However, one controversial decision arrived when Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s whipped cross appeared to be handled by Andre Dozzell inside the Pompey penalty area.
Referee Gavin Ward had a favourable view of the incident, as Dozzell’s arms were out in front of him to stop Sakamoto’s delivery in its path.
Ward showed no interest in awarding Coventry a penalty, as the Blues could consider themselves fairly lucky.
Former Portsmouth midfielder Tim Sherwood, speaking at half-time live on Sky Sports (9 April, 20:54), did not mince his words when giving his recount of the incident, claiming Dozzell “nearly caught” the incoming ball – much to the amusement of Michelle Owen and Clinton Morrison in the studio.
“It’s 100 per cent a penalty. Gavin Ward had a great view of it. You look at Dozzell, he stuck his hand up,” Sherwood said.
“He nearly caught it. Sakamoto bends it towards the far post. Why is his hand up there in the first place?! Ward has a clear view of that and he’s five yards away; it’s a handball, a clear penalty.”
Portsmouth have a potential six-pointer on Saturday
Portsmouth must now quickly turn their attention to hosting Derby County at Fratton Park on Saturday (12 April).
Pompey have fared far better at ‘fortress Fratton’ than on their travels this term – their reverse fixture at Derby back on 13 December a prime example as they were hammered 4-0, when Paul Warne was still in charge.
However, in PO4, the Blues will be favourites to overcome the Rams – with whom they achieved automatic promotion from League One last season, then joined by Oxford United via the play-offs.
| Portsmouth record v Derby | Total |
| Wins | 35 |
| Draws | 24 |
| Losses | 43 |
All three remain in with a chance of relegation but can affirm their survival bids with points in the next few games.
Saturday could turn out to be absolutely massive in terms of dictating the final Championship outlook.