Referee Josh Smith was targeted by bottle-throwing supporters during Portsmouth's Championship clash with Oxford United at Fratton Park. The official's decision to send off right-back Connor Ogilvie in the 17th minute sparked a furious response from the home crowd.
Ogilvie was dismissed for a scissor-like challenge on Stanley Mills. The red card came shortly after Portsmouth had taken the lead through Keshi Anderson in a crucial relegation six-pointer. Reduced to ten men, Portsmouth found themselves under pressure, and Oxford equalised just after the break when Brodie Spencer tapped home from close range.
In the wake of the red card, a plastic bottle landed near the referee's feet, prompting him to report the incident to the fourth official. A subsequent tannoy announcement warned fans that such behaviour was 'unacceptable', which was met with further jeering from the stands.
Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood criticised the decision, saying: 'It's 100 per cent a collective decision... For me, it's not a red card.' Oxford took the lead nine minutes from time through Will Lankshear, but Portsmouth salvaged a point when Andre Dozzell scored with three minutes remaining.
