Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill has words with ref boss Riley
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has spoken to referees chief Mike Riley about the handling of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.[LNB] Villa, who lost 3-0, were incensed that referee Howard Webb did not award a penalty when Gabriel Agbonlahor went down after a challenge by John Obi Mikel and that John Terry was not sent-off for his lunge on James Milner.[LNB]O'Neill, who had also spoken to Riley after the Carling Cup Final when Villa felt that Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic should have been sent-off, said: "I have spoken to Mike. He has shown some empathy and some sympathy with our frustration.[LNB]"But really at the end of it whatever he has said and what I have said should remain with the two of us.[LNB]"The game is past and the decisions have been made and you cannot change it.[LNB]"Overall, I must say that I am satisfied with the standard of refereeing and I don't think that there is much more to be said about.[LNB]"But we have had some really desperate decisions go against us at Wembley.[LNB]"People will sympathise with you on a Monday, agree with you on a Tuesday and say you are moaning on the Wednesday.[LNB]"It doesn't really matter any more. It doesn't change the result or change the course of history."[LNB]O'Neill has also confirmed that Milner has had a text message from Terry but added: "I have not gone into the details and neither was I concerned.[LNB]"I said at the time that it was a desperate challenge and it warranted a red card.[LNB]"I don't think anyone who has seen the replays will disagree with me.[LNB]"So I made my view clear at the time. It has gone and I am not worried[LNB]about any retribution."[LNB]
