Kieran McKenna plays down Joao Pedro’s challenge in Brighton clash
Kieran McKenna plays down Joao Pedro’s challenge in Brighton clash
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Kieran McKenna refused to blame Joao Pedro’s dangerous challenge on Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton for the 2-0 defeat by Brighton. Pedro was fortunate to escape with only a booking after colliding with Walton early in the second half. Moments later the former Seagulls keeper let Kaoru Mitoma’s shot slip underneath him to give the visitors the lead.
Town boss McKenna said: “I’ve not watched it back. I think he’s left a bit on the goalkeeper but it’s not something we’re going to cry about too much. “I’ve not spoken to Christian about it. Was it a red card? I wasn’t screaming for one. How Christian was feeling, I’ll have to ask him.”.
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler did not believe Brazilian striker Pedro had any intent to hurt Walton. VAR checked the incident and deemed there was not serious foul play. “I think he comes too late, he has no bad purpose,” said Hurzeler. “He doesn’t want to hurt him. I don’t see a red card for this.”.
Georginio Rutter hit Brighton’s second with eight minutes remaining to leave Ipswich back in the relegation zone on goals scored behind Wolves. “I thought it was at best evens,” added McKenna. “I thought we were the more threatening team, even though they had more possession.
“We finished the first half strongly, started the second half better. But we didn’t defend a situation as well as we liked and that changed the game. “I think we could have found a better reaction but our confidence dropped and their’s went up. They were the better team in the last 30 minutes.”.
