David Moyes blasts officials after draw at Wigan

08 October 2012 06:50
David Moyes was less than impressed by the performance of the match officials in Everton’s 2-2 draw at Wigan. 

The Latics’ opening goal was scored by Arouna Kone from an offside position, Nikica Jelavic was denied a penalty and Marouane Fellaini was booked by Kevin Friend (right) for alleged use of an elbow in the first half. The Blues boss actually called for the giant Belgian to be given more protection from officials. 

“I think Fellaini needs more protection,” he added. 

“He was two foot above Figueroa (in the incident for which he was cautioned) and anyone who has played the game knows you need to use your arms to get elevation."

“The only thing that Figueroa could have headed was his arm and his hand and it was his hand."

“I can’t understand why, in their penalty box when we have a corner kick, what Fellaini would be doing to the Wigan players? Why would he be trying to foul? He is just standing there and they are standing on his toes."

“I think Roberto Martinez has done a good job over the last few days of making sure that the referees gave them what was required."

“We found that really hard today to play against Wigan and then we also found it hard the way the decisions went today. 

“The first goal is offside, definitely. Half a yard offside."

“And the linesman’s nowhere in line with the ball because I’ve had a look. He’s three or four yards behind the ball, not in line."

“Jelavic is a penalty kick, so I think we’ve had a really rough day with the decisions today."

“What we got we earned ourselves."

“The penalty we got was actually a double penalty kick because it’s a foul on Victor Anichebe and it’s also one on Kevin Mirallas. I think we’ve had a tough day today to get something out of the game.” 

Moyes, though, has no plans to take his gripes to referees’ chief Mike Riley. 

“The linesman should see it. It is up to them,” he added. 

“Yes we can approach Mike Riley and I am sure others do, but Mike Riley has to look at the people who are working for him and whether they are doing well enough.”

Source: liverpool_echo