Source: FOOTYMAD
Former Toon Defender Hits Out At Man Utd Fans
Former Newcastle Steven Caldwell felt referee Mike Atkinson's crucial decisions were influenced by the Old Trafford crowd in Man Utd's 2-0 win over Wigan. Antolin Alcaraz was dismissed for a second bookable offence after half-time - striker Hugo Rodallega also saw red two minutes later - while Charles N'Zogbia was denied what the Latics felt was a clear penalty with the score still goalless. Steven Caldwell: "I wasn't even worried he might go off for the [second] challenge, to be honest. "There were tackles flying in from their side - and I know I'm biased - that weren't getting punished, and could possibly have been bookings. "But I thought it was an honest challenge from Antolin to get the ball, and although it was a certain foul on Fletch, which we accept, I just felt the referee could have shown a bit of leniency. "Maybe the pressure from the crowd and whatever meant he sent him off. "I also thought it was a stonewall penalty and I'm certain that if it had been a Manchester United player it would have been a penalty. "I said that to the referee at half-time, and he said he felt that Charlie went down far too easily. "My argument was why would he go down when he was in such a strong position. "It was such a big decision that had a bearing on the game, because they got their first goal within a couple of minutes and all of a sudden we're 1-0 down at half-time."
