Question from a Partner (after a T)

[Moosie74]

Boys JV game the other night. Late in the 2nd quarter partner calls a foul on A1. A1 comments rather loudly that's "7-1 (fouls) against us" Partner issues a technical.

Late in the 3rd quarter A1 is dribbling and is given a two hand push by B1. I call the foul on B1, A1 says to me in a conversational tone, "thank you sir" and goes off to the line for the shots.

My partner asks me at the quarter break what A1 said to me, I repeated his comment. Partner says no, "you've got to call the technical there, he was clearly trying to show me up".

I can't see any reason why I would issue a technical in that scenario based on a calm, conversational comment is worthy of any action on my part.

There are many other ways the player could have reacted but he just said that and went off to play the game.

Is there something I missed here?