West Ham United Football Club

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35595

Zola rues referee's mistake

09 Dec 2008 - 08:23:30

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West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola was annoyed that his side were not awarded a penalty when Benoit Assou-Ekotto appeared to handle the ball in Monday's Upton Park clash with Tottenham.

Spurs, who were 1-0 up at the time of the incident, went on to win the game 2-0 to move above the Hammers in the Premier League table.

Zola's side have slipped towards the bottom three after winning only one of their last ten games and scoring just four goals in the process, and the former Chelsea star is concerned by his team's form.

He said: "It was a clear penalty when it was 1-0. The referee is a human being, he can make mistakes. Unfortunately for us it was a disappointing game because it was one we all wanted to win.

"I understand the fans' frustration. We gave everything today to make them happy.

"It is not as easy situation for us, we know that. We will be working even harder than we have been. We won't panic."