Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme took to Twitter on Sunday morning to defend his sending off at Carrow Road – and accuse Wes Hoolahan of diving for both the penalty and his dismissal.
Ikeme saw red for violent conduct after shoving Hoolahan to the floor in the 72nd minute – that was the keeper’s immediate reaction to conceding a penalty, after he raced out to meet Hoolahan and ended up colliding with the player.
“Been mulling over whether to say anything or not,” Ikeme tweeted. “Some will say don’t react. I understand ur (sic) point. It’s hard not to be frustrated when someone blatantly dives to win a penalty.
“Then dives again when pushed on his chest. I supposed you live and learn but this one is hard to take. I apologise if anyone feels let down.
“A lot of Norwich fans not happy. I have nothing against your club or Wes. These things happen in football so we just move on.”
The game was finely balanced at the time with Wolves having made it 1-1 just 13 minutes earlier, through a penalty of their own.
However, with former Norwich manager Paul Lambert having already made three Wolves substitutions before Ikeme’s dismissal, it meant full-back Matt Doherty was left putting on a gallant attempt at goalkeeping for the remainder of the match.
Robbie Brady dispatched the resulting penalty, before Jonny Howson completed City’s victory in injury time.
• Follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey and Facebook @mbjourno
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here