Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Roy not Keane on referee rant

19 Oct 2008 - 07:56:02

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane refused to slam referee Keith Stroud for his performance in the Black Cats' goalless draw at Fulham.

Kieran Richardson had the ball in the net shortly after half-time at Craven Cottage, but saw his free-kick chalked off for an alleged foul in the defensive wall by Pascal Chimbonda.

The winger had previously seen another set-piece strike the woodwork three times before being gathered by home keeper Mark Schwarzer.

A calm Keane said after the final whistle: "The official got it wrong, no doubt about it, but there is no point in me ranting and raving and swearing about it because it wouldn't do me any good and might get me into trouble.

"I prefer to focus on some of the positive football we played, because if there is something I can't control goes against us I just have to accept it.

"It certainly didn't look to be our day, especially with Kieran hitting the woodwork like that.

"It was a game of chances and yet no goals. That's why top strikers are paid so much money to put the ball in the net.

"But to be honest Fulham had chances as well and perhaps a draw was a fair result. No, change that, we edged it."