EFL club call for match to be replayed after major referee error

The match took place last Saturday

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League One outfit Mansfield Town hosted Stockport County on Saturday, in a match that ended 2-1 to the visitors, but was marred by officiating controversy.

After opening the scoring in the 28th minute, Mansfield fell behind via an own-goal just before the break, and conceded a Jack Diamond winner in the 68th minute.

Since the game's conclusion, Mansfield manager Nigel Clough has complained publicly about an incident in the first-half, that he claims fundamentally changed the outcome of the game.

The son of legendary English manager Brian Clough, Nigel has bemoaned the match referee's decision to blow his whistle for half-time a full minute early, saying that the loss of a minute's "legitimate game-time" was unfair.

He has since revealed intentions to complain to the EFL.

Confirming plans to request a replay, Clough said: "We don't deserve to be empty-handed.

"Decisions, decisions, decisions again are defining the results of our games at the moment. Unfortunately, they've gone against us again."

"Well, we were denied a minute of legitimate game-time at the end of the first-half, where he made a grave error in blowing up one minute early.

"So, we'll ask the EFL if they'll replay the game because anything can happen in a minute. Somebody can be sent off […] you can score two goals. So, to be denied 60 seconds of legitimate game-time is extremely concerning."

Later on, and as reported by The Mirror, Clough described, the officiating in the match as "grossly incompetent."

The result means The Stags stay in the League One relegation zone, in 21st place.

The EFL are yet to issue a public response to Clough's complaint.