Rafa fury at penalty award
20 Aug 2007 - 07:46:47
Furious Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez labelled referee Rob Styles' decision to award Chelsea a penalty in the 1-1 draw at Anfield as "unbelievable".
The Reds were leading 1-0 after Fernando Torres' opener, before Styles earned the wrath of the Spaniard after pointing to the spot for an incident involving Florent Malouda and Steve Finnan.
The Chelsea winger appeared to leap out of the way of Shaun Wright-Phillips' cross into the box and into Finnan, but Styles - who had a clear view of the incident - pointed to the spot and Frank Lampard slotted away the penalty.
"We created enough chances to have won the game and we would have won it but for an invisible penalty awarded against us," said an unhappy Benitez.
"The referee made a mistake and it was unbelievable. Everybody could see it wasn't a penalty and it's a pity as it cost us two points.
"We are so disappointed because we played well against a good team, but the decision that went against us, you just can't explain it.
"It is unbelievable. How can you take this decision? It is unbelievable.
"Clearly the game was under control but this kind of decision is something you cannot explain.
"Maybe he was under pressure all the time. Anyway I prefer not to say too much."
Meanwhile, Benitez praised the performance of £20million summer signing Torres following his first goal for the club.
"I think Torres showed the qualities he has - pace and great finish - it was really good," he continued.
"He scored his first goal during pre-season and another goal at home it is very positive for him."