Norwich boss Philippe Clement did not hold back in his criticism, particularly regarding the penalty decision and Taylor’s role in it.

Clement Fumes as Ipswich Sink Norwich in Controversial East Anglian Derby

Norwich City slumped to a second derby defeat of the season against fierce rivals Ipswich Town, losing 2-0 at Carrow Road in a heated and controversial encounter that has reignited debate around refereeing decisions in the Championship.

The visitors, managed by Kieran McKenna, took the lead through Jaden Philogene, who converted from the penalty spot after Jack Taylor was adjudged to have been fouled by Anis Ben Slimane. The decision proved to be the game’s major flashpoint, with replays suggesting only minimal contact.

Ipswich capitalised on their momentum, doubling their advantage just before half-time when George Hirst fired home an excellent finish to silence the home crowd.

Despite a more composed second-half showing from Norwich, Ipswich remained in control throughout. However, there was further controversy when Marcelino Núñez, already on a yellow card, committed two additional fouls but somehow escaped a second booking. He was quickly substituted just 23 minutes after coming on, a move that raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike.

After the match, Norwich boss Philippe Clement did not hold back in his criticism, particularly regarding the penalty decision and Taylor’s role in it.

“That was good stuff in that first 10 minutes, but then you get a penalty against us that is totally not a penalty, for me,” Clement said.

“Anis wants to clear the ball, the other player sees that moment a little bit faster than him, a split second, and then he dives into Anis. Anis doesn’t touch his leg like he’s pretending has been done.

“That’s a game-decisive moment. This was never a penalty with VAR, never. This is a player trying to cheat, acting like he’s been caught by a tackle.”

Clement’s remarks have added further fuel to the debate over the absence of VAR in the Championship, with many arguing that such technology could have prevented what he described as a “decisive error.”

The result sees Ipswich strengthen their position in the promotion race, while Norwich are left to reflect on another painful derby defeat — and a decision that may linger long in the memory of their supporters.