Pompey Boss Slams Referee

13 April 2011 02:30
Opposing managers view Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill was highly critical of referee Dean Whitestone for his part in Pompey's 3-0 home defeat to Coventry CitySpeaking to the Press Association, Cotterill said his side would be appealing the decision which saw Hayden Mullins sent off in the 68th minute of the game. A decision which did look harsh from our viewpoint from behind the goal as he was not the last man."There was no way we should have lost that game 3-0. But there was one obstacle we couldn't overcome, and it wasn't Coventry City," Cotterill said."It's very difficult. It's bad enough when you don't get one or two decisions, but when they come as thick and fast as that, it's very, very difficult for players not to get frustrated.""(The Mullins incident) was not a penalty. It hit Hayden Mullins absolutely square on the thigh."It was belted at him, it hit him on the thigh and then it hit him on the hand. There is no way that is a penalty and a sending off."We will be appealing that very strongly with, I think, a rock-solid case. If anyone gets an opportunity, look at it on slow-mo or on Sky and you will see that should never have been a penalty."He went on to say: "Unfortunately it will say in tomorrow's papers Portsmouth 0 Coventry 3 and that's all anyone will be interested in.I would be absolutely delighted and rubbing my hands if I was Andy Thorn on the way home. He will be loving it because he knows 3-0 flatters them."

Source: FOOTYMAD