THREE controversial penalty calls overshadowed Oxford United’s 2-2 draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers – but how many of them should have been given?

Ruben Rodrigues had given United a first half lead when he rounded off a brilliant team move with 25 minutes on the clock.

The visitors were handed a route back into the game 11 minutes into the second period when Marcus McGuane was penalised for a handball.

Danger was first spelled for the U’s when Elliott Moore’s weak header only found Dale Taylor, who played the ball across to the centre of the penalty area.

It was there that McGuane slipped and the ball hit his hand as he fell to the ground.

Although harsh, the rules suggest it was indeed a handball, so therefore a penalty for the Chairboys.

However, an almost identical situation occurred in the first half against a Wycombe player, yet referee Sebastian Stockbridge gave nothing.

Luke Leahy tucked away the spot kick to level the game.

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The second penalty was given after James Beadle was adjudged to have brought down Brandon Hanlan.

Again, there was an element of sloppiness on United’s behalf when Sam Long stepped forward from the backline to win a loose ball, however a heavy touch gave it straight to Garath McCleary.

The Oxford-born player slid the ball through for Hanlan, who outpaced Moore and then began to drift slightly to the left as he got into the box.

Beadle was quick out of his goal, while contact with Hanlan appeared to be minimal.

On this occasion though, due to the speed at which the passage of play happened, it’s possible to see why Stockbridge gave the penalty with 12 minutes to go.

With only one chance to make a decision, it was a tough call to make. Even with highlights and different viewpoints, it’s still not a straightforward decision.

Before the spot kick was taken though, Stockbridge was called over to the touchline and sent off U’s head coach Liam Manning, with the blue touch paper now well and truly lit.

Leahy again made no mistake from the spot as his side nudged in front.

Six minutes into stoppage time, the final penalty of the afternoon was awarded – and it handed United a lifeline.

Mark Harris held the ball up with his back to goal, and turned before being tripped by Leahy just inside the box.

Just like the penalty awarded against Beadle, contact was minimal and Harris was clever in forcing it.

Whether earlier decisions ensured it was given will probably remain a mystery.

Regardless, Cameron Brannagan – back after a two-game absence due to illness – stuck away the spot kick to ensure both sides got a point from an eventful afternoon.

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There was of course another big decision which marred the game. With 10 minutes to go until half-time, Stockbridge brought play back just as Harris squirmed through one-on-one with Max Stryjek.

McGuane played the ball to Rodrigues, who then flicked it onto Harris.

Bizarrely, there was no clear foul whatsoever – just a coming together between McGuane and a perplexed Freddie Potts. However, Stockbridge awarded United a free kick 25 yards out.

Whether there was a foul or not, the advantage should surely have been given to Harris, who had been presented with a clear goalscoring opportunity.

It was a strange decision in what was frankly a strange game of football.