'Harsh' referee decision denied Portsmouth decisive opener against Hull - but Blues were 'second best' through big game

Pompey were harshly denied the opening goal in their 4-0 hammering by Hull on Saturday.
Pompey striker John MarquisPompey striker John Marquis
Pompey striker John Marquis

That’s the verdict of EFL on Quest pundit, and former Swindon striker Sam Parkin, who believes John Marquis was denied a legitimate goal on 16 minutes at Fratton Park – when the game remained goalless.

The Blues striker had the ball in the back of the Hull net, after latching on to a Ronan Curtis header.

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However, he was adjudged to have fouled Tigers centre-back Jacob Greaves in the process by referee Ben Toner, resulting in his effort being ruled out.

It would have been the 28-year-old’s third goal in as many games and a 14th strike of the season.

Parkin said no foul was committed in the build-up, denying Pompey an important advantage.

But he added the Blues could have no complaints with the end result, with Kenny Jackett’s side ‘second best in all departments’.

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He told EFL on Quest: 'I thought this (the disallowed goal) was particularly harsh.

'If you look at John Marquis' movement and also where he's looking, he's just looking at that space which is really inviting behind the Hull centre-half and I just think he eases him out of the game and obviously finishes well as well.

'So, it was harsh, but they (Pompey) were second best in all departments – defensively, really weak and going forward, even with Curtis back, they were really limp in attack.'

Pompey dropped to fourth in the League One table following their 4-0 defeat.

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They are four points behind leaders Hull with a game in hand.

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