FA ask Grant for explanation
17 May 2008 - 12:20:17
- FA ask Grant for explanation
Chelsea head coach Avram Grant has been asked by the Football Association to explain his recent comments about referee Steve Bennett's handling of Manchester United's title-clinching win at Wigan Athletic.
Grant was less than impressed by Bennett's handling of the game at the JJB Stadium, with the match official allowing Paul Scholes to stay on the pitch after he seemed certain to pick up a second yellow card for a foul on Wilson Palacios.
He told reporters: "I told you that I believed in the tradition of the fair English game. I will not say anything against it, but what happened is what I expected.
"In England there are very good referees, but there are some - a few that you can influence, like you saw.
"I think in our game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the referee (Mike Dean) influenced the result for sure. We know that.
"I think the red card for Mikel John Obi in that game should not have been a red card.
"I think that Paul Scholes should have had a red card on Sunday and Wigan a penalty also. But it is finished. I congratulate Manchester United."
Grant has been given until May 28 to make a formal reply to the FA's request.