The manager of Watford criticizes a choice that might cost Leeds United “hundreds of millions.”

Watford manager Tom Cleverley expressed frustration over his team’s late defeat to Southampton, particularly highlighting the controversial manner of the winning goal. Despite seven minutes of added time being announced, Southampton scored in the 99th minute, with Flynn Downes appearing to handle the ball before scoring.

Cleverley also believed that a red card should have been shown to Sekou Mara for an incident involving Ryan Porteous. However, it was the timing of the late goal that irked Cleverley the most, suggesting that the corner from which Southampton scored should not have been allowed to happen after the allotted added time.

The Watford manager suggested that matches of such significance, with potential financial implications for promotion rivals like Leeds United, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City, should be officiated by top referees to avoid such contentious situations.

Despite the defeat, Southampton’s victory has brought them within six points of Leeds United, with two games in hand. The outcome of their upcoming fixtures against Preston and Cardiff City could further close the gap. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town’s draw with Middlesbrough has seen them pull two points clear of Leeds at the top of the table with three games remaining.