ROBSON CONFRONTED THE REF


By Matthew Jones
November 11 2003

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has revealed how he confronted referee Paul Durkin at half-time of the 5-0 defeat away at Chelsea at the weekend.

ROBSON CONFRONTED THE REF


Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has revealed how he confronted referee Paul Durkin at half-time of the 5-0 defeat away at Chelsea at the weekend.

Newcastle were already 2-0 down when Durkin sent off Andy O'Brien and Robson said: "Andy's very unhappy with that decision.

"It was a rough decision and a double blow because we had a penalty awarded against us and a man sent off.

"Andy's quite convinced that if there was a tug it was outside the box. Television will prove it, I'm sure.

"We didn't have a chance after that. I told Paul Durkin that I was unhappy with the decision. I told him it was a bad decision. Mutu fell outside the box and the referee gave a penalty - actually the linesman gave it.

"It killed the game. We were 3-0 down with 10 players at half-time.

"I said to my players that I didn't expect to win the match but I expected them to fight for pride and honour the shirt. We were going to have two banks of four and one up front and we did all right for a long period.

"At 3-0 I was wishing the game was over so we could get out of there."

DISCUSS THIS STORY

Leave your opinions and discuss this story on our Message Board!

Bookmark or share this story with: