Tensions flared following the latest East Anglian derby as Norwich City manager Philippe Clement accused Ipswich Town midfielder Jack Taylor of “trying to cheat” during his side’s 2-0 loss at Carrow Road.
The controversy centered on a first-half penalty that ultimately shaped the outcome of the match. Taylor reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the Norwich box and went down under pressure from Anis Ben Slimane. After initially allowing play to continue, referee Anthony Backhouse awarded a penalty following a delayed decision. Jaden Philogene stepped up and converted, giving Ipswich an early lead in the 11th minute.
Clement was visibly frustrated with the call, insisting it was never a penalty. According to him, Slimane had simply attempted to clear the ball and made no meaningful contact with Taylor.
“We started well and controlled the game early on,” Clement said. “But that decision changes everything. For me, it’s never a penalty. The player anticipates the moment and goes down as if he’s been fouled — that’s not what happened.”
The Norwich boss went further, suggesting that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention.
“I’m a fan of VAR for exactly these situations,” he added. “With VAR, this decision doesn’t stand. Without it, players may continue trying to win fouls this way because there’s no objective correction.”
Despite the setback, Clement praised his team’s response, noting that Norwich created more attacking situations but lacked cutting edge in front of goal. He pointed to missed chances, including a late opportunity for Mohamed Toure, as a key factor in the defeat.
“We were in their box more often, but we didn’t create enough real danger,” he admitted. “Ipswich were simply more clinical.”
Clement also raised concerns about refereeing consistency elsewhere in the match. He felt Ipswich’s Marcelino Nunez was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for a challenge on Jose Cordoba — an incident that led to Nunez being substituted shortly after.
“I think everyone understood that could have been a red card,” Clement said. “Even their bench reacted quickly.”
Adding to his frustrations, Clement himself received a booking, which will result in a touchline suspension for Norwich’s next match. He expressed disbelief at the decision, explaining it stemmed from his assistants standing up during a heated moment.
“In over 30 years in football, I’ve never seen a manager booked for that,” he said. “Usually it’s the assistant. It’s difficult being held responsible for everything happening behind you.”
While Ipswich celebrated a composed and efficient derby performance, Norwich were left to reflect on missed opportunities — and a decision their manager believes proved decisive.
