Cooper Cries Foul At Jake's Late Dismissal

Swans boss blames Bristol bench for decision

STEVE Cooper was adamant Swansea defender Jake Bidwell was unlucky to be sent off in the closing stages of a full-blooded contest.

The head coach had no issue with the full-back’s late lunge on Niclas Eliasson being a foul as the winger looked to break down the right, but felt the punishment did not fit the crime.

Swansea created the best of what few chances there were in a defense-dominated game. Bristol goalkeeper Dan Bentley had to produce the best save in the second half when Andre Ayew broke clear and moved menacingly into the box on the right.

But, despite plenty of effort from both sides, there was too little end product and the dismissal of Bidwell, with stoppage-time seconds away, proved the main talking point.

“It was a foul and an obvious yellow card, but to send Jake off was a poor decision,” said Cooper. “Their bench reacted, which may have influenced the ref, but he should have been stronger.

“I have spoken to him and he told me his assistant felt it was a red card. Whatever the case, most people who saw the incident would have thought a caution sufficient.