Many football fans tuned into Sky Sports on Sunday for some League One football.

Crawley hosted Portsmouth, which just three seasons ago would have been non-league against Premier League and it was bound to be an exciting affair.Crawleytrying to push for an early advantage at the top of the league where as Pompey are competing in a different battle because of their financial issues.

The fans were out in numbers and both sets of supporters were in voice creating a teasing atmosphere for the players anxiously preparing for kick off

I was in my usual spot behind the goal, on the Terrace. We started brightly, but rarely posed a threat towards Andersen in the Portsmouth goal. There wasn’t much to talk about. It was heading into half time 0-0. When suddenly the game sparked into life when Crawley’s Josh Simpson was sent off for a second yellow card. Everyone watching at home and watching in the stadium could see that Izale McLeod had dived. The referee didn’t. This sparked fury amongstCrawleyfans who were quick to express the anger at the decision towards both the referee and McLeod.

In the second half it was much the same. Both Crawley and Portsmouth fans were singing their hearts out for the teams they love. Then 19 minutes from time Hope Akpan was shown a second yellow card for a tackle which the referee wasn’t going to blow his whistle for until he saw the assistant flag. Incompetent officiating? Three minutes laterPortsmouthscored the opening goal. Nine men reds were struggling. Another controversial decision was whenCrawley’s Danny Bulman was played in through on goal and appeared to be brought down by Howard, who had already been booked but the official waved play on.Crawleyfans again fuming.

Portsmouththen scored a second goal. Which was a brilliant strike but McLeod was offside when brought down. Then McLeod rubbed salt into the Crawley wounds by scoring the third and final goal of the game. After the two sending off’s, the referee then sent Crawley boss Richie Barker to the stands.

Much to the pleasure of the Reds fans and players alike the game ended. This game left us Reds fans extremely furious with the ref, Darren Deadman. Although we played appalling the score line definitely did not justify our performance. I do believe the official knows just how many game changing mistakes he made today because it was rumoured he refused to leave his dressing room until all players and fans had left the ground. We were robbed.

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