Source: SKY_Sports
Allardyce questions officials
lackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce believes his side were robbed of a penalty in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.[LNB] A Wayne Rooney goal and a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick either side of a strike from Rovers forward Roque Santa Cruz saw Premier League leaders United stretch their winning run to 10 games.[LNB]But Allardyce - whose side remain in the relegation zone as a result of the loss - feels Rovers should have been awarded a chance to salvage an equaliser from the penalty spot.[LNB]Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Morten Gamst Pedersen of diving when home defender Rafael Da Silva placed his hands on the Norway international inside the United 18-yard area. [LNB]But Allardyce believes referee Howard Webb was wrong not to point to award the spot-kick, saying: "As far as Pedersen goes, Sir Alex has his opinion, I have a different one.[LNB]Blatant"Unfortunately, most clubs might not get a decision like that here. It wasn't a blatant one but it was a penalty. Pedersen got pulled and tugged."[LNB]Allardyce, though, did not want to comment on the fact that Ronaldo - who was booked for diving in the second half - escaped further punishment after seemingly retaliating against Rovers midfielder David Dunn. [LNB]"You would have to ask Howard Webb about the kick on Dunn. It was 56 minutes," he added.[LNB]Allardyce, whose team visit Coventry in an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Tuesday, saw his players push United all the way and the Ewood Park boss acknowledges three points would have provided a vital lift in the battle against the drop.[LNB]"We had a couple of opportunities to get ourselves in front, one just before half-time and another after it when Ryan Nelsen hit a post," Allardyce continued.[LNB]"It would have been a real bonus for us today."[LNB]
