Cardiff City's Lee Tomlin, left, and Huddersfield Town's Jonathan Hogg battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) - Huddersfield was left counting the cost of referee Lee Mason's change of mind in a 0-0 draw against fellow relegation struggler Cardiff in the English Premier League on Saturday.
What had been a dreary match produced a 76th-minute talking point when Mason pointed to the penalty spot after Florent Hadergjonaj tumbled in the box.
Several Cardiff players rushed toward Mason's assistant in the corner and the referee soon made his way there for a conversation.
Mason then dramatically reversed his decision and penalized Hadergjonaj for fouling Joe Bennett rather than the other way round, much to the bemusement of Huddersfield manager David Wagner on the touchline.
Cardiff remains in a healthier position to survive dropping into the second tier, with an eight-point advantage over Huddersfield.
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Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Jonas Lossl saves a shot on goal by Cardiff City's Callum Paterson during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Cardiff City's Aron Gunnarsson, left, and Huddersfield Town's Alex Pritchard chase the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Huddersfield Town's Jonathan Hogg acknowledges fans after the final whistle during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)AP)
The Associated Press
Match referee Lee Mason, center, overturns a penalty decision during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Cardiff City's Sean Morrison reacts after Match referee Lee Mason, center, overturns a penalty decision during the English Premier League soccer match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
The Associated Press