Boss upset after Stoke defeat

29 August 2011 13:59
Hodgson claims poor defending and referring cost Albion Roy Hodgson had reason to complain after watching his side lose against bogey-side Stoke City in the last minute at The Hawthorns. A mix-up between goalkeeper Ben Foster and Gabriel Tamas in the 89th minute saw Stoke striker Ryan Shotton kick the ball from within the grasp of the Albion ‘keeper to give the visitors an undeserved victory. Replays clearly show Albion’s No.1 had two hands on the ball and that Shotton lead with his studs above waist-height, however neither referee Mike Dean or his officials spotted the infringement with Shotton able to walk the ball into the net. Albion looked to be heading for their first 0-0 draw since 2009 after dominating the early exchanges but failed to find a way past Asmir Begovic. The visiting stopper made an excellent point-blank save from Shane Long in the first half with Chris Brunt and Paul Scharner coming close for the hosts. The Baggies continued to press for an opener after the break with Tchyoi almost breaking the deadlock on two separate occasions. But at the game looked set to end in stalemate, Shotton’s good fortune continued the Potters’ hoodoo over the Baggies. "To concede such a late goal was very galling, especially after seeing the replays," said Hodgson. "We defended the high ball very, very badly but then I think the referee could have helped in the situation by giving a free-kick. "Shotton's foot was very high and he was leading with his studs. "If it had been a bouncing ball between two players in the middle of the field, I think it would have been a free-kick. So that's also galling. "I'd have been happier maybe in some ways if I hadn't seen such a clear foul. "That would have been galling enough because we defended very badly. "But having seen a replay, I'm not very happy either that the goal has been allowed to stand. "I spoke to the referee afterwards and he quite fairly said he didn't think it was a high foot, nor did he think their player was leading with his studs. "But I'll allow you to watch the TV tonight and make up your own minds. "I saw it as a foul. The referee didn't. It's as simple as that." Do you think Foster was fouled in the build-up to Stoke's winner? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.

Source: FOOTYMAD