Charlton Athletic boss fuming over Oxford United penalty

Will Lankshear went down in the box after a nudge from Kayne Ramsay, Cameron Brannagan slotting the spot kick away 675 days after he netted the U’s last penalty in May 2024.

Oxford failed to hang onto the lead though, Ciaron Brown pulling on the shirt of Lloyd Jones to give Charlton a late lifeline which Charlie Kelman scored in the 93rd minute.

Charlton Athletic’s Charlie Kelman celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

Addicks boss Jones was not happy with both the penalty decision against his side and his team’s performance.

“Am I happy with the level of performance? Absolutely not, especially second half,” the Welshman declared.

“They didn’t stick to the game plan, didn’t listen to a thing I said at half time, and that’s why we came unstuck and conceded.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

“I mean, the penalty, I’ve got to choose my words very carefully, an extremely poor decision.

“Saying that, we showed character, we threatened and we probably looked most likely to have won it in the end.

“[Referees] get swayed by crowds and emotion and don’t just make clear decisions.

“You can’t step outside your technical area because they’re right on you and they’ll give bookings and stuff. It’s the poorest of decisions.”

Will Lankshear shields the ball for Oxford United (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

There were not many arguments about the penalty that Brown conceded for Oxford, with Jones saying: “Only a fool wouldn’t have given it.”

Away from refereeing decisions, the Charlton manager was not happy with his team’s display at the Kassam.

“[The players] just didn’t listen at half time.

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield dedicates Oxford United win to Amelia Aplin

Charlton Athletic’s Harry Clarke fouls Oxford United’s Jack Currie (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“We played into [Oxford’s] hands. They sit off and want you to play easy, basic, slow tempo football and then they’ll break on you, and that’s what they’ve done.

“We said to [the players], their high line, turn them, get on balls in behind and make them defend, composed in the box, and you’ll get joy.

“We did that for the last 15 minutes and got joy [but] we didn’t do it for 75 and that’s why we were 1-0 behind, as well as the poor decision.”

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield disappointed as Oxford United held to draw

An Oxford United fan views floral tributes laid in memory of academy player Amelia Aplin (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

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The point takes Charlton to 48 points in the Championship and nine above the relegation where the U’s currently lie.

After looking like they might be in the thick of the fight for survival, the Addicks look set to secure second-tier status this season after achieving promotion via the play-offs in the previous campaign.

Meanwhile, Matt Bloomfield’s men sit 22nd in the division, one point from safety with West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth both a single points above them.