Southampton vs Ipswich ref watch: Three decisions Thomas Kirk got wrong, including off-the-ball incident
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(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media) Southampton vs Ipswich ref watch: Three decisions Thomas Kirk got wrong, including off-the-ball incident Tue 28 April 2026 21:37, UK Southampton saw their hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League ended on Tuesday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Ipswich Town. However, their joy was short-lived, as substitute Clarke stepped up to lash home an equaliser for his team, leaving them one point clear of third-placed Millwall heading into the final game.It was a very high-stakes evening at St Mary’s, with both sides having plenty to lose, and with that in mind, Football Insider picks out three mistakes made by referee Thomas Kirk.
Matusiwa’s challenge was punished with nothing more than a free-kick by Kirk, but replays showed that the 28-year-old had a little kick out as his opponent, as he cynically brought him to the floor. The Southampton centre-back ultimately came out on the right side of their individual tussle in the first half, as he was able to keep Azon quiet until he set up Burns’ goal shortly after half-time.However, Harwood-Bellis was arguably fortunate to avoid punishment for one particular incident involving him and Azon behind the play in the 22nd minute.
The incident was missed by Kirk, who kept his eyes on the ball, but Sky Sports replays appeared to show Harwood-Bellis jab a forearm into his opponent’s midriff as he went to make a run. While Harwood-Bellis’ challenge could not have been deemed as violent conduct or sufficient for a red card, it should undoubtedly have received a caution had it been seen by the referee.Thomas Kirk falls for Jack Clarke theatricsClarke was sent on by McKenna in the 67th minute to go and try to win the game for Ipswich, but the winger ended up doing his best work defensively in the latter stages.