Why was Omar Bugiel's goal disallowed for AFC Wimbledon?

The referee ruled out the goal, judging that the Exeter goalkeeper was fouled during the goalmouth scramble.

What did Johnnie Jackson say about the referee's decisions?

Johnnie Jackson called the disallowed goal 'ridiculous' and 'inexplicable,' and also felt his team was denied a clear penalty.

How does the loss affect AFC Wimbledon's league standing?

The defeat extends AFC Wimbledon's winless streak to nine league games.

Home / Sports / Jackson fumes over 'ridiculous' referee calls in Exeter loss

Jackson fumes over 'ridiculous' referee calls in Exeter loss

30 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Referee disallowed Omar Bugiel's equalizer for AFC Wimbledon.
Manager Johnnie Jackson called the decision 'ridiculous' and 'inexplicable'.
The loss extends Wimbledon's winless streak to nine league games.

Jackson fumes over 'ridiculous' referee calls in Exeter loss

AFC Wimbledon's manager, Johnnie Jackson, has voiced strong disapproval of the officiating during their recent 1-0 loss against Exeter. The pivotal moment occurred when an equalizer scored by Omar Bugiel was disallowed by referee Jacob Miles. Jackson was particularly incensed by the decision, which he deemed "ridiculous" and "inexplicable."

According to Jackson, the disallowed goal resulted from a phantom foul call during a goalmouth scramble, with goalkeeper Joe Whitworth allegedly fouled. He also criticized the referee for not awarding a penalty when Bugiel went down in the box shortly after. These decisions, he believes, unfairly denied his team a deserved outcome from the match.

The defeat has extended Wimbledon's winless run in the league to nine games, a stark contrast to Exeter, who secured three crucial points to climb out of the League One relegation zone. Exeter's assistant manager, Kevin Nicholson, acknowledged the tight league table and emphasized the importance of consistency for his team's aspirations.