Phil Neville criticises ‘really poor’ refereeing after England win in Bosnia

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

England women’s head coach Phil Neville has hit out at “really poor” refereeing after Alex Greenwood was sent off during the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Left-back Greenwood fell under a strong challenge in the penalty box in the 47^th minute, and was shown a harsh second yellow card.

“The only sour point was the refereeing,” Neville said of Greek official Andromachi Tsiofliki.

“One of my players gets sent off for being hacked down in the penalty area.

“She sent one of my players off for a second bookable offence, which should have been a penalty. Her first booking was for taking a quick free-kick.”

Greenwood was visibly upset as she left the pitch and Neville revealed there was no chance of her automatic one-match ban being overturned.

“She's obviously distraught,” he said. “I've been in to see the referee to try and get it rescinded, because she has waited so long for an opportunity and she was brilliant in the first half, but she's got sent off and she's got a one-match ban now.

“The referee ended up telling me I had to watch my own behaviour on the touchline rather than my players. I got out of the office pretty quickly.”

Neville also voiced his frustration at being reprimanded for helping Wales player Kayleigh Green with cramp during the goalless draw between the two nations at St Mary’s.

“I nearly got sent to the stands on Friday for helping an opposing player with cramp,” he added.

“So the thing I've learned over the last two games is that I've got to get used to this refereeing.”