'Screaming at the TV' - pundits assess Portsmouth's penalty appeals against Oxford

And the Doncaster boss feels everyone housed in the PO area would have been ‘screaming’ at the TV when Ronan Curtis was tripped late on in Friday’s game.

The Blues had three strong penalty claims in the League One play-off semi-final first leg against Oxford.

At the final whistle, Kenny Jackett’s side were incensed at referee Gavin Ward, who turned down Curtis' appeal when he appeared to be tripped by Dan Agyei in second-half stoppage-time.

It was certainly a topic to debate in the Sky Sports studio after the 1-1 draw.

And Moore, who had a two-year spell at Pompey in his playing days, reckons a penalty would have awarded had fans been inside PO4.

He said: ‘I would imagine every household in Portsmouth was screaming at the TV screen when they seen it.

‘There wasn't enough contract for the referee. It looks like a coming together of the legs and and didn't think there was enough for it to be a penalty.

‘With a full house there maybe that's a different decision to make with the pressure of the crowd and different players surrounding him.

‘The referee didn't think it was and the game is evenly poised at 1-1.’

Pompey started the clash on top, with Curtis opening the scoring on 32 minutes.

Oxford hit back swiftly, however, with Marcus Browne equalising shortly before half-time.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne felt a draw was a fair result – but admitted the Blues could have been awarded two spot-kicks.

He said: ‘Portsmouth started off really positive and were definitely the team in the ascendency,

‘They got the goal they probably deserved and I think they could have had a couple of penalties as well.

‘Oxford grew into the game and got their goal. Both wide players had a big part to play then the game just fizzled itself out.

‘Overall, both teams will be pleased with that performance and neither side are out of it. It's all to play for.’