Officials infuriate Moyes
25 Sep 2006 - 08:28:07
Everton manager David Moyes' pre-season promise not to publicly criticise match officials was severely tested after his side's 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Shola Ameobi was clearly in an offside position when he fired the Magpies ahead after just 14 minutes, but no flag went up and referee Steve Bennett awarded the goal.
Tim Cahill headed home an equaliser shortly before half-time to ensure Everton's unbeaten start to the campaign continued, but that did little to improve Moyes' mood.
"We do try to run out for offside. Ameobi is the last man, the ball goes directly to Ameobi and he scores, so you cannot even turn around and say there was a mix-up," he said.
"There was one of our players a little bit late, but not as late as Ameobi, and he is the one who scored.
"I really am trying this year not to mention referees or linesmen. What do I do? Do I just stand back and say, 'Yes, that is fine'?
"I am passionate about winning for Everton and my job is to make sure we do it. We got a bad decision there."
Both sides finished with ten men after United's Titus Bramble and Everton's Tony Hibbert picked up two yellow cards apiece.
Moyes thought Hibbert's second caution was harsh, but admitted the defender only had himself to blame.
He added: "I have not seen the Bramble one. I have seen Tony Hibbert's, and I thought he probably should not have gone for the second challenge.
"He did not go over the top, but he was already booked and he should know he should not be going for a challenge which might be even remotely like anything.
"But from what I have seen, I thought it was quite soft."