Rossiter frustrated by referee decisions as Swindon ride to victory

ALUN ROSSITER outlined his frustration at refereeing decisions as the Swindon Robins recorded a 51-39 bank holiday victory over the Ipswich Witches in the Premiership Supporters Cup last night. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to team manager following the action.

Despite winning back-to-back meetings which has seen the Robins rocket to the top of their group in the competition, Rossiter explained how there was an inconsistency in refereeing decisions as Swindon riders were warned multiple times about moving at the start.

“It amazes me that our riders allegedly moved at the starts but there were three or four Ipswich riders that were a bike length up on everybody,” said Rossiter.

“I think so [there is a lack of consistency in British speedway refereeing.]

“I’m not looking straight down but when you look from the pits and someone is moving that much but then we have a rider pulled back what’s the difference?

“Let's not talk about that though because we don’t want to make them [referees] special,” he added. 

A difficult meeting saw Ipswich push Swindon all the way before the home side prevailed in the latter stages of the meeting. And when speaking about his side's performance, Rossiter admitted he was delighted with each of his top five riders. 

“Our top five were outstanding again,” said Rossiter.

“Dawid Lampart is coming on now like I said he would get good and he put on a great show tonight.

“The reserves will be fine eventually.

“Fingers crossed we can get them going and they will be good,” said the team manager.

Last night saw Swindon ride on the Abbey Stadium’s new track for just the second time this season, however, whilst good racing has so far been produced, Rossiter explained that there is still work to be done.

“There is a lot more overtaking on this new track now but we still need to get the starting gates sorted out,” he said. 

“We’re struggling at the starts so we need to address that but we have a couple of weeks now to sort things out.

“All in all though the base is there now,” said Rossiter.