“Doesn’t sit right with us” – Chris Wilder reacts United’s draw at Coventry and the Ahmedhodzic incident | OneFootball

Sheffield United showcased grit and determination to secure a 2-2 draw against Coventry City on Saturday, despite being reduced to ten men shortly before halftime. The contest at the Coventry Building Society Arena saw both sides trading blows in an action-packed encounter that had its fair share of controversy.

The Blades struck first in the 14th minute, with Tyrese Campbell capitalising on a pinpoint low cross from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The forward timed his run perfectly to slot the ball past Coventry keeper Bradley Collins, sending the visiting fans into raptures.

Coventry, however, responded swiftly. Josh Eccles delivered a teasing cross that bypassed United’s Harry Souttar, allowing Norman Bassette to steer the ball into the net and bring the home side level in the 22nd minute.

But Sheffield United regained the lead just 12 minutes later. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi capped off a fine move with a clinical left-footed effort that curled into the bottom far corner, giving the Blades a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

The game’s dynamic shifted dramatically just before halftime when United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic was sent off following a heated exchange with Norman Bassette. Ahmedhodzic reacted to what appeared to be some gamesmanship from the Coventry striker, including a clip on the floor and some provoking gestures. The referee, Darren Bond, deemed Ahmedhodzic’s reaction enough to warrant a straight red card, leaving Sheffield United to play the second half with ten men.

With the numerical advantage, Coventry piled on the pressure after the interval. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Bobby Thomas broke free from his marker, Harry Souttar, and headed home a well-placed corner to make it 2-2. Despite a barrage of late attacks from Coventry, the Blades’ defence held firm to secure a valuable point on the road.

Sheffield United striker Tyrese Campbell celebrates his goal which gave the Blades the lead against Coventry City. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Chris Wilder on a hard-earned point for Sheffield United at Coventry

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praised his team’s character in his post-match comments on SUTV: “At any time would we have accepted a point here? Yes. But, especially down to 10 men missing a few players, I think it’s a really good point. I’m delighted for the travelling fans and the way they supported us to the end.”

Wilder admitted that Ahmedhodzic was rightly sent off for his first half reaction: “Absolutely no complaints. Anel knows I’m disappointed, and we’re all disappointed because he’s had to rely on his teammates to get him out of a hole. We’ll handle it internally, but I’ve also spoken to the players about discipline when facing certain situations.”

However, Wilder didn’t hold back in his criticism of Norman Bassette’s role in the incident: “The boy [Bassette] tried to leave something on Anel early on. He went over twice in the box trying to con the referee, and then instigated the [red card] situation. What I don’t understand is why he held his face when he was touched on the neck. That kind of gamesmanship doesn’t sit right with us.”

In his interview, Wilder also noted that Tyrese Campbell was forced off due to a tight hamstring.

The Blades now head into a midweek home clash against Oxford United where they will be without key defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, and they may not want to risk Tyrese Campbell on the quick turnaround.