Source: Team_Talk
Clough defends Rams after fracas
At least 18 players were involved in a melee near Derby's right corner flag sparked by a wild two-footed lunge from substitute Gorka Pintado on Robbie Savage.[LNB]Pintado was sent off and although referee Steve Tanner took no action against any of the other players involved, Derby could still be in trouble because they are already facing an FA charge after a touchline flare-up during last month's game against Nottingham Forest.[LNB]But Clough, who had earlier seen Jay McEveley sent off for a second yellow card, said: "Our players did nothing out of order.[LNB]"The officials were right there in the corner when it all kicked off and didn't show one yellow card to any other player.[LNB]"They are right there and didn't see anything at all and they are the ones who are meant to be in control of it.[LNB]"We don't want our players to walk away from that situation, we expect them to support their team-mate in the manner they did.[LNB]"No-one wants punches thrown or anything like that but they are entitled to be there to support a player, especially after a tackle like that."[LNB]On the two dismissal, Clough added: "Jay has said the little lad (Nathan Dyer) just ran into him but I don't think there was any dispute about the second one.[LNB]"It was a two-footed challenge from behind, feet off the floor and I think that in itself led to the problems in the corner."[LNB]Swansea manager Paulo Sousa made a thinly disguised attack on the officials when he said: "We played against 14 but we had 12.[LNB]"Our supporters were outstanding to help us on a difficult pitch, it was difficult to play like I said against 14.[LNB]"We showed our spirit more than ever and it is difficult to beat us, we are well organised and I am very happy and proud of our lads."[LNB]When asked about the sending-off of Pintado, he said: "I don't want to speak about that. I say we play against 14 and I don't want to explain.[LNB]"I have already spoken with the players. We need to control our emotions much better. If we control our emotions we don't commit stupid fouls."[LNB]There was no sign of what was to come in a first half that was largely forgettable but the game threatened to boil over shortly after the interval.[LNB]McEveley was fortunate not to be sent off for a late lunge on Joe Allen in the 54th minute but received his marching orders for a second yellow 10 minutes later when he dragged down Dyer out on the Swansea right.[LNB]McEveley was furious at the decision and kicked over the drink bottles on his way to the tunnel but his team were trailing by the time he reached the dressing room.[LNB]David Cotterill swung the ball to the back post where Shefki Kuqi glanced a header inside the right post.[LNB]But Swansea were down to 10 men in the 70th minute when Pintado's lunge was rightly punished.[LNB]Swansea regained their discipline enough to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 Championship games, although Derby came close to an equaliser in the 89th minute when a Michael Tonge free-kick from 25 yards rattled the crossbar.[LNB][LNB]
