Lincoln’s Michael Skubala responds to his side being denied a penalty in the comeback draw with Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.
The Terriers went ahead on the 15th minute through Ryan Hardie, before an unmarked Ryan Ledson, left unmarked sending the ball past George Wickens, made it 2-0 on 20 minutes.
Lincoln reduced the deficit 8 minutes later after a long throw from Tom Hamer was headed into his own net by Josh Feeney.
Lincoln were in disbelief at having penalty appeals turned down after Feeney stopped Rob Street’s shot with his hand. Instead the referee Ben Speedie awarded a corner.
Then Ryley Towler got Lincoln’s leveller in the fourth minute of stoppage time to see the League One leaders stretch their unbeaten League One run to 21 games.
@domhowson tweeted: “Lincoln have got every right to feel aggrieved after not being awarded a penalty following a blatant Feeney handball. Awful play-acting from the defender too.”
Lincoln City’s Rob Street fires the ball towards goal and clearly hits the Huddersfield Town’s players arm!
The referee blows for a corner
These officials are ruining our game#htafc #WeAreImps #ImpsAsOne #UTI pic.twitter.com/5YBS76duhB
— AllAboutLeagueOne (@LeagueOne25) March 18, 2026
After the game, Michael spoke on it via BBC Radio Lincolnshire: “Clever by the player for me.
“I haven’t seen it back, but it’s clever by the player because he’s handballed it, it’s gone down like it’s hit him in the face, he’s on a yellow card.”
“I don’t know what position the linesman is in and the referee, maybe they can’t see it, but it’s one of those things,” added Michael.
“We’re not going to get everything. I thought the referee in the main managed the game very well, made some good decisions, but the big one probably got away from him.”
On Tenayi Darikwa, who was upset when being subbed off: “Tendayi’s so frustrated when he comes off, he’s still talking about the penalty.
“That’s what his frustration was. You can see him frustrated, and he wasn’t for coming off; he was fuming about the penalty because it’s moments like that that can cost you.”
Huddersfield Town Head Coach Liam Manning said:
“Wanted to make sure that we kept numbers in the middle, and to be fair, I thought we frustrated them a little bit in the first half. They had the ball a little bit, but in areas we were quite happy with. I thought we were aggressive in duels and competed as best we can.
“We managed the seconds well, and showed some moments of quality, especially on the counter attack. At the back end of the first half, we had a period around their edge of the box, and showed some good moments.
“Naturally, in the second half, they’re committing more forward, and we are trying to hold onto the lead a little bit. You’re up against it with their set-pieces.”
Here’s the fan reaction as Lincoln’s Michael Skubala responds to being denied a penalty in their draw with Huddersfield…
@Comins1Sam: @EFL refereeing standards shit as usual what is the Lino doing and why is the ref 3 miles away.
@Sam_Wray: My word, how that penalty wasn’t given is beyond me! Just watched it back and that is absolutely disgraceful! Not just one but two handballs!!!
@broadway1510: Definitely handball. How did the ref and lines man miss it. Player also knew. Could tell by the way he was holding his head whilst on the ground
@GazTyler1: Not only is it a penalty,But what really winds me up is the fact the young defender puts his face in his hands when you can clearly see it hits his hand with the ball. Little shit. 🤬
@Concensio: Was great acting… what do you want him to do, say he did it! Was a pen but you do what you have to do
@Matt_Counsellor: Shithousery at its best for our cause. I would take your point if all footballers behaved in a way of honesty and valour Dom, but behave – this is the modern game. Regardless, we can’t see it out…
@Stevros1988: Huge let off, one of the most blatant handball decisions you’ll ever see. If the ref sees it it’s a pen and a second yellow for Feeney.
@arran_n: Hahahah that handball from Feeney is the most blatant i’ve ever seen, we’ve had abit of luck finally
@KingKas_: Get Feeney off please 😭 HUGE let off. Clearly handball #htafc
@JackCotts7: That referee doing everything to win them the game 🤢
@leonffc1704: Very much deserved. Didn’t let that awful referee get the better of you! 👍
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