Watford manager Tom Cleverley has accused Portsmouth counterpart John Mousinho of losing control of himself and his players during a heated encounter at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets came from behind to grab all three points with a stoppage-time winner, only for goalscorer Kwaado Baah to receive a second yellow for taunting opposition fans after the final whistle.
While Cleverley insisted he was not happy with his striker’s behaviour, it was the actions of Pompey boss Mousinho throughout an increasingly fractious second half – including being booked following the hosts’ equalising penalty – that prompted the Watford boss’ post-match comments.
Mousinho had suggested that his Pompey players would “never ever” goad rival fans.
He added: “If one of my players did that they would be in serious danger of never playing for the club again.”
However, in response, Cleverley said: “There was a group of players who kept their heads during the second half, and I think that was radiated from our bench.
“And there was a group of players who lost their heads in the second half, and that was radiated from their bench.
“I think that John should maybe look at his own behaviour, and I will deal with Baah internally. I’m disappointed in John’s comments as I thought his own behaviour was what ultimately cost his team in the second half.”
Cleverley added: “I’ve been no angel since the start of the season, and for some games this season. But to come out and hear that. His conduct on the side is certainly how not to do it.”
Baah looks set to be disciplined internally in addition to now being suspended for Sunday’s match against Cardiff City, and Cleverley said he needs to learn how to win with good grace.
“You want to win with humility and dignity, and I’ve said before I want all my players to develop, to play in arenas and be under the microscope,” the Watford boss added. “Baah needs to get used to it, that sort of scrutiny.
“He’ll get abuse at times and he has to deal with it better. Now he’s learning his lesson the hard way. I’m disappointed with that, but I thought he had a great game and if there is one bad taste left from all of it, then it’s his suspension for Sunday.
“We have to say he deserves it. We’re told as players and coaches that you can’t goad the supporters because of the hostile environment that will cause.”
