Benitez blasts Bolton ref
01 Oct 2006 - 12:17:24
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was furious with the match officials after seeing the Reds lose 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers.
The Spaniard was fuming after seeing goalkeeper Jose Reina penalised for being outside his area when launching a long kick downfield, with the Trotters scoring their opening goal from the resultant free-kick.
"It is clear that Pepe Reina was inside the area and the ball was in the air," Benitez said. "The linesman was in a bad position, but we cannot change decisions like that.
"Then we conceded the second too early in the second half and from then on it was very difficult.
"It is the first time I have seen such a free-kick given in England, but what can you do?
"I could see a monitor, I could see immediately that Pepe was in the box when he released the ball from his hands.
"I do not see the point in complaining to the referee, but that incident changed the game because we were in control and playing well."