Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has no regrets over his comments about referee Lee Mason but backed away from the argument to avoid further distraction to his side's top-four push.
The Reds boss was fined £8,000 after accepting a Football Association charge for questioning the integrity of a referee following the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City.
Rodgers argued a referee from the Greater Manchester area - Mason is from Bolton - should not have been appointed to a game involving a Manchester team.
However, with his fourth-placed team challenging for a return to the Champions League, the Northern Irishman decided not to take the matter further.
"My view hasn't changed. I obviously accept the punishment but I'm not one who is the enemy to the officials," he said.
"My history will show that, I have always supported and encouraged them.
"I was disappointed after the game, disappointed with the outcome (the fine) considering my history but all I was doing was speaking honestly and in no way was I questioning the integrity of the referee.
"I was just talking about the logic and facts about other appointments would prove that true I am sure.
"But it is gone. The only reason I never challenged it was because I didn't want anything getting in the way of what we are trying to do here.
"It would just prolong it and be something else to talk about when all I want is for us to talk about is our football."
Source: PA
