Mark Robins was left frustrated by the red card just before half-time. Picture: PA.
A COSTLY handball decision against Kyle McFadzean that led to the defender’s dismissal gave Coventry City every reason to feel hard done by on Tuesday night, says manager Mark Robins.
The Sky Blues were ousted 2-0 at Kenilworth Road by Luton Town in a result which keeps City embedded in the battle against relegation, staying in 20th place just six points above the drop zone having played three games more than Rotherham United who occupy the final relegation place.
Elijah Adebayo’s 42nd-minute penalty followed immediately after McFadzean’s straight red – doubling Luton’s lead after James Bree struck the opener midway through the half.
For Robins, it was yet another night of frustration, as his side extended their winless Championship run on the road to six games.
“Ultimately, we’re going to take hits this season from time to time, which is difficult to do because nobody likes losing, but we can’t just keep doing the same things – away from home the results haven’t been good enough,” said the 51-year-old.
“Kyle was adamant that it wasn’t handball and, having seen it, it looks like his shoulder.
“From the referee’s perspective in real time, body movement might have made it look like he’s handballed it, it’s disappointing because that’s cost us really.
“We needed to take our chances, Max [Biamou] has had three brilliant chances, he’s hit the inside of the post with the first one and then they go and score, the second goal was a killer really.”
It is set to be another crucial game for Coventry this weekend, as basement side Wycombe Wanderers visit St Andrew’s on Saturday.
