FUMING Jose Mourinho has slammed referee Michael Oliver after Arsenal’s controversial match-winning penalty.
The Portuguese boss joked only ‘big Arsenal fans’ would believe the Gunners should have been awarded the spot-kick.
Jose Mourinho was far from impressed with the penalty decisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
With the game tied at 1-1 in the 64th minute, Davinson Sanchez was adjudged to have fouled Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman horribly sliced his effort on goal before the Colombian dived across to block the strike.
Lacazette buried the penalty but later admitted his side were ‘lucky’ to have been awarded the penalty.
It went from bad to worse for Tottenham who had Erik Lamela sent off for two bookable offences.
When quizzed on Mourinho’s thoughts after the contest, he responded: “No post-match interviews for referees? That is a pity.
“We played really bad in the first half. The 1-1 was not a fair reflection of the first-half. We were poor. Defending bad. No intensity or pressing.
“Some important players hiding. Really bad. In the second half we only had space to improve which we did and then it is a question – but an impossible one as they don’t speak – for the referee Michael Oliver to answer.
“Probably Paul Tierney too as he was the VAR. According to Kevin Friend, the referee told him he had a clear decision and the VAR does not want to go against it.
Davinson Sanchez was adjudged to have fouled LacazetteCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Even the striker admitted Arsenal were lucky to have won the penaltyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“I do not want to call it a penalty because it was an offence to penalties. The only thing worse than our first half was that penalty.
“What I see from the bench is just a feeling at first. I am 40-50 metres away.
“I saw it on the iPad. Referees have a difficult job sometimes. I did not complain but when I watch back on the iPad it is what it is.
“If somebody has a different opinion it has to be one of the big Arsenal fans with a season ticket.
“It is the only one I accept as it is the passion speaking. Other than that I don’t accept a different view as it is obvious.
“I belong to the team so I am as guilty for the first half as the players but the best thing is we improve in the second half.
“Players get tired, coaches get tired, maybe referees get tired too. My record with Michael Oliver on penalties with Chelsea, United and Tottenham is unlucky.”
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I wouldn’t have given penalty, says Mark Halsey
By Mark Halsey
THE penalty decision that led to Arsenal’s winner has sparked controversy — I’m not sure I would have given it in real time.
If there is any doubt, you don’t give. It was harsh, but I will not criticise Michael Oliver for awarding it.
Alexandre Lacazette miskicks and has lost his balance when Davinson Sanchez tries to block his shot and then catches him.
You run a big risk when you go to ground like he did.
Anywhere else on the pitch and you could argue the ref would blow.
Paul Tierney, on VAR duty, did not see that as a clear and obvious error so did not get involved.
But we do need to hear the conversations between the match officials and Stockley Park — so then everybody would know the reason why that penalty was given.
Even Lacazette was counting his lucky stars after his crucial strike dented Tottenham’s top four ambitions.
The Arsenal ace said: “We are lucky to get the penalty, I think. But of course I am happy.
“Back in the days I have taken a lot of penalties against him [Hugo Lloris] but I was confident.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
