Carlos Carvalhal believes poor decisions by match officials have already cost Wednesday at least seven points this season.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Ipswich, the head coach said: “We have had too many decisions in the last eight games go against us. In a competition like this where the teams are very balanced and there is not big, massive difference between the teams, these decisions make a big difference in the games.
“With seven more points, we would be fighting or near the first positions.”
In the latest controversial incidents, we saw two strong penalty appeals turned down in the goalless draw with Bristol City on Saturday and Carvalhal has also pointed to a ‘wrong’ offside decision when Gary Hooper scored at Birmingham and further spot kicks being ruled out at Derby and Bolton.
Carvalhal added: “These are things I can’t control as a coach.”
It is now 33 games since the Owls were awarded a penalty – and when we did get one, Jordan Rhodes missed it against Leeds at Elland Road back in February.
After Saturday’s dour 0-0 home draw with Bristol City, there were murmurings of discontent from some fans both during and at the end of the game and now Carvalhal has called on the fans to continue to get behind the team at Hillsborough.
He said: “It is important we stay together. This is the most important thing to me. If we are together, we are more strong. We all want the same thing. The fans want to win. We want to win. The chairman wants to win.”
He said he is proud of our fans, who “are really special”, but also talked of showing a togetherness, urging the supporters to ensure they create the right atmosphere and back the squad at home games as Wednesday strive to turn draws into wins at Hillsborough.
Carvalhal said: “The positive environment is very important to the players. The players need support, good feelings and a warm environment. ”