Bristol City head coach Liam Manning has openly criticized the officiating of referee Oliver Langford during their Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Sheffield United. Langford sent off Robins defender Rob Dickie just before half-time for a foul on Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore in the Bristol City penalty area. Harrison Burrows converted the subsequent penalty, leading Sheffield United to a 3-0 victory over the 10-man hosts.

Manning expressed his frustration with the decision, stating, "A referee was put in charge of a game he should be nowhere near. We called this week to flag our concerns with him doing it." Langford has issued six red cards in the past 12 games he has officiated, including four in matches involving Bristol City.

The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) declined to respond to Manning's comments but pointed to its appointments policy, which determines the eligibility of referees. Manning also referenced a previous incident involving Langford, where a red card was overturned, adding, "It's almost like [Langford] can't wait to get [the card] out."

Manning emphasized that while the team did not defend well enough, the decision to send off Dickie was harsh. "First and foremost we didn't defend well enough leading to us being exposed at the back and then Rob on the recovery, if he pulls him, fair enough, but he actually kicks the ball," he said. "The only reason it should be a red if there's no attempt to play the ball. I don't know how you can attempt to not play the ball and kick it; it's madness."

Bristol City now face an uphill battle in the second leg at Bramall Lane on Monday, needing to overturn a significant deficit to keep their promotion hopes alive.