(Credit: Getty, Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Edward Bazeley

Sun 17 August 2025 14:42, UK

Bobby Madley has been praised for awarding Southampton a free kick rather than a penalty to Ipswich.

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The contest saw a coming together between Tractor Boys forward Sammie Szmodics and Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu with the scores level.

Ipswich and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw at Portman Road in the second weekend of the Championship season on Sunday, 17 August.

The hosts took the lead thanks to Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ own goal, before Jay Robinson equalised for Will Still’s men.

Meanwhile, Everton transfer target Tyler Dibling featured for Southampton for the first time this season, as a second-half substitute.

Kieran McKenna steered Ipswich to a draw against Southampton (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Amid their Championship promotion push, Ipswich have lost Omari Hutchinson to Nottingham Forest.

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Meanwhile, during the second half of their draw with Southampton, Szmodics collided with Bazunu in the penalty area after latching onto Jack Stephens’ misplaced header.

The Southampton goalkeeper got his hands on the ball, before spilling it as the two players came together.

Referee Madley awarded a free-kick to the away side, but the Portman Road faithful and some Ipswich players, including striker George Hirst protested at the decision.

Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images

Southampton star Mateus Fernandes has attracted transfer interest from West Ham, but featured for 69 minutes against Ipswich.

Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the coming together Szmodics and Bazunu, Hackett said: “Watching this, I am satisfied that former Premier League referee Bobby Madley, from a good viewing position, judged this coming together very accurately.

“Not a penalty kick for me.”

Ipswich travel to Preston North End on Saturday, 23 August in their next Championship game, whereas Southampton host Stoke next weekend.

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