Exeter City Boss Hopes ‘Fiasco’ Will Lead To Rule Change

Matt Taylor fumes at referee after late penalty denies Grecians a point against Bristol Rovers

The Grecians were denied a share of the spoils in stoppage time after a controversial penalty was awarded to Bristol Rovers by referee Sam Purkiss, prompting City boss Matt Taylor to demand a rule change.

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has called for a change in the rules after his side were denied a point against Bristol Rovers in a controversial finish at the Memorial Stadium.

The Grecians were leading 2-1 heading into the final minutes but Rovers were awarded a penalty when substitute Ryan Loft was adjudged to have been tripped by Cheick Diabate.

Taylor was furious with the decision, claiming that Diabate had won the ball fairly and that the penalty was a 'fiasco'.

Taylor's comments:

"It's an absolute disgrace. The referee has bottled it. He's bottled the big decision," Taylor said. "Cheick Diabate has won the ball cleanly. He's got the ball before the lad. It's a fiasco and it's cost us two points."

The penalty was converted by Aaron Collins, who had earlier scored Rovers' first goal, and the Grecians were left to rue a missed opportunity to move up to eighth in the League Two table.

Taylor believes that the incident highlights the need for a change in the interpretation of the handball rule, which he says is being applied too harshly.

"The handball rule is a joke," Taylor added. "It's being applied differently every week and it's costing teams points." "We need to get some clarity on it because it's ruining the game."

The Football Association is currently reviewing the handball rule and is expected to make a decision on whether to change it in the coming months.

Taylor will be hoping that the FA takes his comments into account and makes a change to the rule that will prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.