SWANSEA'S interim boss Alan Sheehan had a bizarre verdict on Middlesbrough's winning goal - describing the award of the indirect free-kick as a "crazy decision" even though there appeared to be a blatant back-pass.

Boro won the free-kick inside Swansea's penalty box after home keeper Carl Rushworth picked up Harry Darling's back-pass - with Sammy Silvera precisely finding the bottom corner to earn all three points for Michael Carrick's side.

Sheehan said he hadn't seen the incident back before coming in to speak to the media post-match, but described the free-kick as a "big and brave" decision and said his instinct told him it was the wrong call.

"It was a crazy decision, whether it's right or wrong it's a big call," said Sheehan.

"I'm not a referee. Is it an interception or a back pass? Carl Rushworth is one of the best keepers in the league with the ball at his feet so for him to think he can pick it up tells me enough.

"I don't like to speak negatively about the players. He felt it was (OK to pick it up) and I don't think I need to ask him that. If he felt that was the right decision I trust Carl Rushworth.

"In real time it's hard to call. But it's a brave call by the referee. Whether it's right or whether it's wrong we'd probably split the room here.

"I asked the ref 'was he kidding me?' when he gave that. I just think it's a brave call."

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The game looked to be heading for a draw before the late drama after Jamal Lowe had cancelled out Sam Greenwood's Boro opener.

Sheehan said: "We spoke about giving the fans a performance to get behind - a possession-based team that wants to attack fast - and you saw a team giving everything for each other.

"We were unfortunate to go behind if I'm being critical. Can we be more ruthless in the final third and put the game to bed?

"I'm more proud now than I was against Stoke, maybe in my position it should be game result over game model. But I believe if you can get your game model right you go on big runs in the Championship. This was a step in the right direction, maybe two steps.

"I thought we were really good in the first half and the game should have been done. But sucker punch and we showed good character to get back in the game.... but to lose a game like that."