Derby County may be unhappy with referee Joshua Smith’s performance in their 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

John Eustace’s side is solidly in contention for the Championship Play-off berths, and the Rams tried everything they could against the Tractor Boys.

Derby trailed going into the second half after Lewis Travis’ own goal, but Rhian Brewster leveled the game with just over 20 minutes remaining by converting a stonewall penalty.

However, Kieran McKenna’s side restored the lead through Leif Davis’ header, as the Rams were handed a hammer blow in stoppage time while pursuing the equaliser.

Smith chose to send Derby’s Travis home in what was the most contentious decision of the competition.

Keith Hackett claims Lewis Travis left the referee with no other alternative.

Eustace controversially joined Derby County in February of last year after leaving Blackburn Rovers, but the move has so far paid off.

Derby were active in the winter market, as the Rams are in a strong position for the Play-offs as the Championship enters its final stretch, making the loss all the more devastating.

Eustace, on the other hand, will be certain that his skipper, Travis, was unfairly given a second yellow card as his team pushed for an equaliser in the last moments of the game.

Travis made an own goal in the seventh minute.
Travis was booked in the 13th minute, then Smith gave him a second yellow card in stoppage time for attempting to restart play for his team.
Former PGMOL chairman Keith Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the situation, and his comments may not be what Derby fans want to hear.

Hackett stated: “If you receive a yellow card and then have a second go at an opponent, as in this case, you leave the referee with a decision to make.

“There is no appeal allowed on yellow cards, so he will serve a suspension.”

https://www.instagram.com/dcfcofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0d1dc45a-a319-489c-be8f-3f7208100783

Derby missed out on a crucial point against promotion-chasing Ipswich in the second half, which would have been considered a positive outcome prior to the game.

Eustace’s team was on a four-game unbeaten streak coming into this weekend, and they have already demonstrated their ability to come back late in games this season.

Team possession, shots, and xG totals.
Derby County (56%, 5.92) and Ipswich Town (44%, 7.67)
Second-half statistics
Travis’ ejection would have seemed to slow the Rams’ push toward a leveller. Derby dominated the second half, while Ipswich held on to their lead, according to the statistics.

Derby could have walked away with a point on another day, but Eustace will be without his captain for the next game against Swansea City.