Middlesbrough’s push for automatic promotion suffered another frustrating setback on Sunday, as a dramatic 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road extended their winless run to seven matches. What should have been a statement victory for Kim Hellberg’s side instead ended in controversy, with a late penalty decision dominating post-match discussion.

Boro led twice in a tightly contested game, showing resilience and attacking intent through goals from David Strelec and Tommy Conway. On both occasions, Ipswich responded — first through Kasey McAteer, then in the closing stages via a Jack Clarke penalty that ultimately rescued a point for the home side.

However, it was the circumstances of that decisive moment that left Middlesbrough players and fans furious.

Late penalty sparks anger and disbelief

The penalty was awarded after Adilson Malanda was judged to have wrestled George Hirst to the ground inside the box as a cross flashed through the six-yard area. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, and Clarke made no mistake in converting to level the match.

From Middlesbrough’s perspective, the decision was difficult to accept. Many in the away end felt the contact was minimal, while also arguing that the ball had already moved beyond Hirst before any alleged foul occurred.

That sense of injustice was echoed strongly by Luke Ayling after the final whistle, with the experienced defender clearly frustrated by what he saw as a decisive and incorrect call.

Ayling does not hold back

Speaking to BBC Tees, Ayling did not mince his words when addressing the incident.

“We’re gutted. We’re angry,” he said. “Second half, I feel we really took over the game and played really well. We pinned them in their half for long spells and scored a great goal. The penalty is a baffling decision.”

Ayling went on to question whether anyone at the ground would genuinely consider it a spot-kick.

“I don’t think there’ll be one fan who goes away tonight and thinks that’s a penalty. The ball is pretty much out of play before Adi even touches him. It’s never a foul, it’s never a penalty. In a game like that, to have that go against us, it’s baffling.”

The 34-year-old also suggested Middlesbrough were not getting consistency from the officials throughout the match, pointing to what he felt was a lack of reward for their possession and territorial dominance.

Promotion hopes fading fast

The result leaves Middlesbrough in fifth place, now three points adrift of Ipswich in the race for automatic promotion. With only a handful of games remaining and Ipswich holding a game in hand, the top-two dream is slipping further out of reach.

Kim Hellberg’s side have now gone seven matches without a win at a critical stage of the season — a run that has completely shifted momentum in the promotion battle. While the performance at Portman Road showed flashes of quality and control, the inability to see games out has become a costly theme.

Even Ayling admitted that thoughts of the top two may now be unrealistic.

“Maybe, probably, but we can’t think about it right now,” he said when asked if automatic promotion was gone.

Signs of encouragement remain

Despite the frustration, there were still positives for Middlesbrough to take from the performance. Without key players fully firing or consistently available, Boro still managed to compete toe-to-toe with one of their closest rivals on their home ground.

The intensity, structure, and attacking threat they showed at times will give supporters hope that the squad remains capable of competing in the play-offs, should their top-two challenge fall short.

There is also optimism that with key figures returning to full fitness, Middlesbrough could still peak at the right time if they secure a play-off place.

What comes next

Attention now turns quickly to their next fixture at home against Sheffield Wednesday. A win there would not only stop the slide but also restore some confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.

For now, though, the overriding feeling around Middlesbrough is frustration — not just at the result, but at the moment that decided it. And as Luke Ayling made clear, it’s one they still cannot quite believe.