With the Hammers one nil up and seemingly about to control the game Tomkins stuck out a leg for Tim Cahill to dive over and Dowd had no hesitation in awarding the home side a penalty and spoil the game as a contest by sending off the young Hammers defender.
Backing up the referee on the official site Zola said, "Yes it did change the game. I was watching it on the TV and thought maybe yes, maybe no. If I was the referee maybe I was going to give the penalty but not give the red card as it was very close. Phil saw it that way, it is sad and painful but I have to accept that."
"I thought maybe a yellow card as our player tried to get the ball and maybe the player arrived first. I don't know if it was clean contact. The referee is there and sometimes can pick up the right decisions. He certainly doesn't have the cameras we have but I have to accept it."