Josh Tymon avoided a second yellow card in Swansea City's 1-2 win at Lincoln City, a decision that left the home side's manager baffled. The victory at Sincil Bank keeps Swansea top of the Championship with 17 points from eight games.
Referee Anthony Backhouse's handling of two incidents involving the Swans left-back became the main talking point. In the first half, Tymon felled Lincoln striker Freddie Draper in a challenge where some observers believed a yellow card was shown, but no official record of a booking exists. Then, in the second period, Tymon committed a clear bookable offence on Conor McGrandles.
Lincoln City head coach Tom Shaw said he could not understand the official's thinking. "Just the main one was the second yellow for their left-back," Shaw stated. "Didn’t quite understand how he went to give it and then didn’t." The referee appeared to reach for his pocket before changing his mind and awarding only a free-kick.
Inconsistent officiating
The confusion over Tymon's discipline was part of a broader pattern of inconsistent decisions. Backhouse booked Lincoln's Ben House after just six minutes for a challenge barely deemed a foul, yet let a similar offence by a Swansea player go unpunished ten minutes later. He also overturned a throw-in and a goal kick in Swansea's favour during the match.
The penalty that decided the game, converted by Reeco Hackett-Fairchild in the first half, was viewed by some as a weak award. Later, Swansea were denied what appeared a clearer penalty for handball. The overall performance from the official was poor, affecting the flow and fairness of the contest.
Despite the controversy, Swansea secured the three points with a professional away display. The win extends their recent form to three victories in their last five matches, a run that includes a 3-1 triumph over Burnley.
Swansea now sit two points clear at the summit of the Championship. They return to action on 10 October when they host 15th-placed Norwich City at their home stadium. The squad, currently missing defender Cameron Burgess, will look to maintain their momentum. Check the latest team news and availability on our injuries section.
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Head coach Vitor Matos confirmed the squad will have a short break. "It is important now to rest the players who will stay with us," Matos said. He added that most internationals will return just a day before facing Norwich. The club's live data shows Swansea are 1st in the Championship with 17 points from eight games. They are two points clear at the top. The win at Lincoln ended the Imps' five-match unbeaten run.
