Referee Decisions Under Scrutiny After Walsall’s Wembley Heartbreak
Walsall FC’s dream of promotion to League One was shattered in a narrow 1–0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium on May 26, 2025. While the Saddlers were undone by a superb long-range strike from Myles Hippolyte in the first half, fans and pundits alike have questioned some of the referee’s decisions that may have tilted the balance in Wimbledon’s favour.
Referee Will Finnie had a generally controlled match, but several key moments sparked frustration among Walsall supporters. One of the most debated incidents came late in the second half when Walsall forward Jamille Matt appeared to be pulled back inside the box during a set-piece. Despite loud appeals from players and fans, the referee waved play on, denying what could have been a crucial penalty.
Adding to the controversy, an earlier challenge on midfielder Ross Tierney near the edge of Wimbledon’s box looked to warrant at least a free-kick — possibly a second yellow card for the Dons’ defender involved. Again, no foul was given.
Walsall had their chances, with a dramatic clearance off the line by Wimbledon’s Riley Harbottle preventing what looked like a certain equalizer. However, many feel that had the officiating been more consistent, Walsall may have had a better opportunity to force extra time or even snatch a win.
In the aftermath, manager Mat Sadler diplomatically avoided blaming the referee, focusing instead on his pride in the team’s performance. Still, he acknowledged the fine margins: “At this level, one or two decisions can change the course of a season. We just didn’t get the rub of the green today.”
As Walsall look ahead to the 2025–26 campaign, the pain of Wembley will linger — not just for the loss, but for the lingering feeling that refereeing decisions may have denied them a fair shot at promotion.
