“No way PK dived”: Ramsey fumes as nine-man Oxford hold on at Mansfield
Sunday 18 October 2026 · By Lucy Ferris
Aaron Ramsey was left frustrated by two red cards on Thursday night, but proud of the way his Oxford United side held on for a 1–1 draw at Mansfield Town.
Oxford led through Luka Lynch’s curling strike from the corner of the penalty area on 34 minutes, set up by Dembélé. They were in control until the 75th minute, when Peter Kioso was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the Mansfield box.
Mansfield equalised on 82 minutes through Michael Smith’s bundled finish, and substitute Gatlin O’Donkor was then sent off for a second yellow after a reckless challenge. Oxford were briefly down to eight while Brodie Spencer was treated, according to the Oxford Mail, but they held on in front of 7,652 at the One Call Stadium.
Ramsey was clear about the first decision. “I certainly don’t think that PK dived,” he told Sky Sports. “We’re in control of the game after 65 minutes, 1–0 up and then obviously that decision has had a massive impact.”
He was also proud of his players’ resilience. “We went down to eight men for a minute,” he told the Oxford Mail. “I couldn’t have asked for any more.” Speaking to Sky, he described himself as “super proud of the courage that they showed”.
A win would have taken Oxford second. Instead, they stayed seventh that night and are now eighth after Saturday’s results, on 15 points. They are unbeaten in five league games and have played only eight, fewer than anyone else in the division.
A dismissal for two cautions normally carries a one-match ban, which would rule both Kioso and O’Donkor out of Tuesday’s home game against Wigan Athletic. No appeal has been reported.
Oxford were already missing McDonnell, Roosken, Emakhu and Jeon before Thursday’s game, according to the Chad.
The statistics show how hard Oxford had to work after the red cards. According to BBC Sport, Mansfield had 24 shots to Oxford’s six, and Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming made three saves. Mansfield’s equaliser came when Stephen McLaughlin’s cross went in off Smith at the near post as Cumming tried to block, Sky Sports reported.
The fixture list now favours Ramsey’s side. Wigan visit on Tuesday (19:45 BST), followed by leaders Bradford City on Saturday (15:00) and Stockport County in a rearranged game on Tuesday 27 October (19:45 GMT). After a trip to Barnsley on Saturday 31 October, Reading visit on Wednesday 4 November.
With games in hand and a run of home fixtures, Oxford have a real chance to move into the top two.
Kassam Stadium sits on Grenoble Road in Littlemore, south of Oxford city centre, postcode OX4 4XP. It opened in 2001 and remains one of the more unusual grounds in the EFL: three stands only, with the west end left open to the car park and the bronze ox statue. Capacity is about 12,500, all seated. The pitch runs east–west, so one goal sits in front of the East Stand and the other faces the open west side.
Visiting supporters are housed in the North Stand, along the touchline rather than behind a goal. The away allocation is the western blocks, towards the open end (typically around blocks 27–29, expanding if demand is high). The eastern half of the same stand is usually home. There is no standing area. Views are generally good and unobstructed; the open west side can be cold and windy in winter, so pack an extra layer.
Tickets for the away section are sold by your own club in advance. If the match is not all-ticket, leftover seats can be bought on the day from the away ticket office in the North Stand, which is also the collection point for pre-ordered tickets. Turnstiles usually open 90 minutes before kick-off. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.
By car, follow brown attraction signs and use OX4 4XP. Head for west car parks B1 or B2, opposite the Vue cinema. Parking on site is free on a first-come basis for home games from four hours before kick-off until four hours after; there are roughly 2,000 spaces shared with the leisure park. Arrive early: there is only one road in, and queues build. If B1/B2 are full you will be sent to overflow past the cinema and club shop. After most matches a security gate behind the North Stand blocks a short cut from the away end to the east car parks. Do not park on grass verges or ignore residents-only streets; tickets are issued. Blue Badge bays for away fans are most convenient in the north-west corner via B1. Coaches and minibuses also use B1 and should follow stewards.
Oxford station is about five miles away. A taxi is typically 20 minutes. Stagecoach route 3A runs from the station and city centre to the ground. Matchday football specials also operate from Didcot, Carterton, Bicester, Kidlington and Thame when advertised. Park and Ride at Redbridge or Thornhill is a fallback if the stadium car parks look full.
The South Stand is the two-tier main stand, with offices, changing rooms and executive boxes. The East Stand, behind the eastern goal, is the noisiest home end. Concourses sell hot food and drink (usually card only); queues can be slow at half-time. There are thirteen wheelchair bays on a raised platform in the away section, an accessible toilet on the away concourse, and a sensory room for younger supporters who need a break. Check oufc.co.uk before you travel for the latest ticketing and access notes, then enjoy the odd three-sided bowl.