The game’s major decision went in favor of the Tigers

Hull City’s goalless draw with Millwall in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final sparked one major debate: Gavin Ward’s decision to overturn Ryan Leonard’s late goal.

Referee Ward determined that Tristan Crama fouled City defender Charlie Hughes within the six-yard box, allowing Leonard to sprint in and poke past goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Given the timing, if the goal had stood, Alex Neil’s team would very surely have had the advantage going into Monday’s second leg at the Den.

As it transpired, the Surrey-based referee whistled for the foul before the ball struck the back of the net. Sergej Jakirovic, City’s head coach, thought it was the proper option, but his Millwall counterpart, Alex Neil, disagreed.

Curtis Davies and Michael Dawson, former City players, were on Sky Sports’ live coverage from the MKM Stadium alongside ex-Lions manager Gary Rowett and 1904 Club podcast panelist David Prutton, and here’s what they had to say about the key talking topic…

Michael Dawson

“You watch Crama and Charlie Hughes interacting, and you can sense Alex Neil’s displeasure. “I saw it in the end, but when you see Charlie Hughes’ body, he has a full swing around Kramer, and I think it just determines.”They both have it (shirt pulling), while Crama just has one tug on his shirt. It comes full circle, and I believe this is why Gavin Ward makes the decision, which, in my opinion, is correct. Look at his shirt; it’s entirely off. Also, as a centre half, I’d be upset not to get that one.”

Gary Rowett

“Basically, if that is in the center of the pitch. I believe you’re not doing anything. If you think about it, Hughes got Crama first. You can see it very plainly. “When the shirt comes off, he grabs Crama and pulls him around.”I see the danger of the situation; once the goal is scored, it is easier to award a free kick against the attacking team. “I don’t think there is anything in it.”Looking at the referee’s stance, he can’t exactly see Hughes pulling first. I believe he simply recognizes the Crama pull, which appears to be more clear to him. You’d have to be a courageous referee to let it go and declare it’s both while allowing a goal, wouldn’t you?”

Curtis Davies.

“I believe the interesting thing Alex (Neil) made was that he let a lot go, which we discussed on the sidelines. Neil stated that he has not allowed such behavior in the middle of the pitch when a goal is on the line.Listen, I still believe it was the correct decision, but I understand why he believes it was six of one and half a dozen of the other. I just think that the way Crama pulls him, combined with Charlie’s swing, leaves him with no choice but to play the ball.”