Redemption, red and Franco - derby talking points

Sunday's 1-1 draw between Swansea City and Cardiff City was the first draw between the sides since January 2020

South Wales derbies are always eventful, and Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Swansea City and Cardiff City produced several talking points.

From Cardiff manager Erol Bulut’s red card to the advertising hoarding which injured Bluebirds winger Ollie Tanner, there was as much controversy off the pitch as there was action on it.

And while Swansea reflected on a draw which felt like a defeat according to head coach Luke Williams, there were still positives such as the performance of new signing Goncalo Franco.

Here are some of the hot topics from another hectic derby at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Bulut sees red

Despite some full-blooded challenges from both sides, it was remarkable that referee Oliver Langford did not reach for his pocket until 90 minutes had passed.

And before showing any players a card of any sort, Langford sent off Cardiff manager Bulut for refusing to hand the ball back to Swansea’s players and then arguing with them.

As a result, Bulut was not allowed to conduct post-match interviews, and his media duties were left to assistant coach Omer Riza.

"We are still saying we think it's a bit harsh,” said Riza. “He was pulled on to the pitch by Kyle Naughton, I think, I know there was a scuffle there. He [Bulut] was just making a point about the fact there was a foul on the pitch.

"In the first half, potentially, we could have had a couple more yellow cards for them, which would have maybe tamed the game a little bit, but they [referee and assistant] let them go.

"The way he is talking at the minute, I think he will [appeal the decision]. He was pulled on to the pitch for one and two, a player has put his hands on him, which isn't something that should happen."

Erol Bulut signed a new two-year contract as Cardiff City boss in the summer of 2024

‘Should there be more security around the pitch?’

Cardiff’s equaliser was superbly crafted by three of their substitutes as Rubin Colwill and Ollie Tanner combined to set up Callum Robinson.

But as the players rushed to celebrate with Cardiff’s fans behind the goal, an advertising hoarding fell on Tanner’s leg and cut his shin, leaving the winger requiring treatment from medical staff.

It came a day after West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek dragged a Crystal Palace ball boy to safety after he was caught under a falling advertising hoarding during the celebrations that followed the Czech midfielder’s goal at Selhurst Park.

“You're looking around and saying: ‘Potentially should there be more security around the pitch?' So fans can't come towards the advertisement signs,” Cardiff assistant coach Riza said.

“That's a heavy sign that fell down there and Ollie's got a big cut on his leg. That could be the start of the whole situation that occurred after [Bulut red card]. He's OK, he continued and carried on but he had to go off the pitch for 30 seconds and that could have had hurt us in that period. All things we can look at to improve.”

Swansea boss Williams said: “It's something that has to be looked at by security officers of all clubs because there was an incident at the West Ham game.

“Whenever you go down a road and it has speed bumps it means there was an accident, and when there are speed cameras it means people are driving too fast, so I guess there will be a reaction to this now by the authorities and safety officers, who will decide what's best.”

Ollie Tanner struck the opener as the Bluebirds beat Swansea City 2-0 at Cardiff City Stadium in September 2023

Franco’s starring role for Swansea

With the way Swansea City like to play, it’s little wonder central midfielders have long been idolised by supporters. Just think Leon Britton and Joe Allen in recent years.

Only a few weeks after signing, it seems Goncalo Franco has every chance of being a firm favourite if his derby showing is anything to go by.

The 23-year-old already looks a shrewd piece of business by the club after his arrival from Moreirense as he displayed a real toughness to go with his technique in an energetic display.

Swansea did not look the same when he left the field, although Williams admitted later his withdrawal was at least partly forced by an arm injury.

“I thought he was magnificent without the ball,” said former Swans midfielder Andy Robinson. “And on the ball you saw his quality, bringing players into the game. His movement was fantastic, the way he got beyond the Cardiff backline was really impressive.

“I thought he still had another level so I was disappointed he came off.”

He wasn’t alone, with fans acknowledging the Portuguese’s performance. He could prove key to a greater grit and guile for Swansea’s midfield going forward.

Swansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco has featured for Portugal at under-19 level

‘Cardiff have a problem with the goalkeeper’

Bulut was quick to reassure goalkeeper Ethan Hovarth he was still his number one after his blooper at Burnley.

Horvath’s own goal at Turf Moor was something of a freak, but concerning given Cardiff’s wish to play out more from the back.

In terms of saves, the United States international stopped what he was expected to, but never really looked comfortable with the ball at his feet – nor in claiming high balls.

And former Bluebirds captain Jason Perry suggested it could be a worry for a new-look Cardiff.

“They have a problem with the goalkeeper,” said Perry. “I understand why he stuck by him after Burnley because if you drop him, you lose him.

“But I thought he looked very, very nervy – and if you want to play possession football from the back, the goalkeeper becomes an outfield player. It’s the goalkeeper that sometimes has step between and make that pass.

“And if you’re up against a high press, you have to have the quality to ping it into the centre forward and beat the press. He didn’t look comfortable, he parried the shot for the goal, he didn’t look comfortable on crosses, with balls back to him he didn’t look comfortable in possession, so it makes it hard to play through the thirds.”

Cardiff City goalkeeper Ethan Horvath has won 10 caps for the United States of America

Robinson’s redemption

Until Sunday, Callum Robinson’s most notable contribution to a south Wales derby was his 2022 red card after just six minutes for throwing the ball at Ben Cabango.

Cardiff went on to lose that game 2-0 but, this weekend, Robinson redeemed himself by coming off the bench to score an excellent equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland forward has been in and out of the Bluebirds side in recent months and, having held clear-the-air talks with Bulut last season, Robinson improved his chances of getting a sustained run in the team with his substitute appearance against Swansea.

“He scored six goals in pre-season and his attitude has been excellent,” said Cardiff assistant coach Riza.

“He’s working hard for the team, even when he’s not playing, making sure the players who are playing are ready. I told the subs today they’d have a massive impact and they did – Ollie, Robbo, Rubin and Anwar [El Ghazi], who hasn’t played for nine months.”