Sheffield Wednesday’s unbeaten home run in the Championship came to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon when they were defeated 2-1 by Coventry City, and the game was not without controversy.
The Owls controlled possession at Hillsborough and created several opportunities to score, but fell behind on 16 minutes when Ellis Simms headed home Jack Rudoni’s cross.
Coventry held a 1-0 lead at half-time but Danny Rohl’s side found their equaliser just after the hour mark, when Sky Blues defender Joel Latibeaudiere inadvertently diverted Marvin Johnson’s cross into his own net.
Frank Lampard’s men struck their killer blow in the 92nd minute, as Simms capitalised on James Beadle’s goalkeeping error and poked the ball into an empty net to secure his brace, as well as a vital three points for his side against a direct play-off rival.
Prior to their defeat to Coventry, Wednesday had bagged a monumental win over Swansea in midweek. They were also on a five-game unbeaten run at Hillsborough and had hoped to retain such strong form in S6.
However, following the match, Rohl was left unhappy with some refereeing decisions.
Wednesday boss Danny Rohl calls for VAR in the Championship
Following his side’s defeat, the Owls boss told BBC Radio Sheffield: “Maybe it has come to a point where we have to need in this league as well (as the Premier League) VAR.
“It’s hard to make decisions, but if we need support on the pitch, then maybe we should think about this (VAR) as well, also in the Championship.”
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
| 6 |  |
33 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 42 | 31 | 11 | 48 |
| 7 |  Coventry |
33 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 44 | 41 | 3 | 47 |
| 8 |  Bristol City |
33 | 11 | 13 | 9 | 41 | 37 | 4 | 46 |
| 9 |  Sheffield Wednesday |
33 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 46 | 50 | -4 | 45 |
| 10 |  Watford |
33 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 43 | 48 | -5 | 45 |
| 11 |  Middlesbrough |
32 | 12 | 8 | 12 | 50 | 43 | 7 | 44 |
The Wednesday crowd appealed for two penalties in quick succession while the game was tied 1-1 in the second half, as home debutant Ibrahim Cissoko and then midfielder Shea Charles went down in the area. However, referee John Busby indicated play-on both times, and Svante Ingelsson also saw a penalty claim waved away during the first half.
Due to Saturday afternoon’s result, Coventry have leapfrogged Wednesday in the Championship table and sit just one point below the top-six.
Frank Lampard praises Sheffield Wednesday’s star man
The Coventry boss did not issue a comment on whether his side could have conceded a penalty during their victory in South Yorkshire, but he was full of praise for Owls stalwart Barry Bannan.
Following his side’s win, Lampard said: “They’ve got Barry Bannan who is a top-class player in this league and whenever he gets on the ball, he’s a threat with what he can do and what he might find or produce.”
The action at Hillsborough on Saturday marked the Wednesday star’s first appearance since a 1-1 draw with Luton Town on 1st February due to an injury.
Owls supporters were pleasantly surprised by his inclusion on Rohl’s team sheet on Saturday, but ultimately the former Scotland international was unable to help steer his side towards a share of the spoils.
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