Huddersfield 'could ask for replay' after ref blunder

Huddersfield could have grounds to request a replay of their 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday after Owls player Jeremy Helan was booked twice but remained on the field, a former Football League referee said today.

Mick Russell yellow-carded the 20-year-old, on loan from Manchester City, for a second time midway through the first half, but failed to produce a red card amid furious protestations from Huddersfield players and management.

Russell’s fellow officials also failed to spot the error, allowing Helan to play the full 90 minutes.

Former Football League official Tony Leake said he expects Russell to have to stand down for a period over his error, and believes a replay of the fixture is not out of the question.

He said: “The matter will now need to be dealt with by the relevant authorities.

“You cannot rule out the possibility of a replay.

“If Huddersfield won the game 3-0 I would not expect that to happen. But if Huddersfield believe the player being on the field meant the result did not go in their favour then it could be that the game is replayed.”

English referee Graham Poll famously booked Croatia defender Josip Simunic three times before showing a red card during their 2006 World Cup fixture against Australia.

Following that error FIFA president Sepp Blatter indicated Australia could have demanded a replay had they lost and been knocked out.