Benitez furious with penalty decision
Benitez was unhappy with the penalty being awarded
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Sunday, 19, Aug 2007 09:32
Rafael Benitez was furious with referee Rob Styles after he awarded Chelsea a contentious penalty that handed the Blues a point at Anfield.
Liverpool took a first half lead through Fernando Torres and enjoyed the bulk of possession but their slender advantage proved too little when Frank Lampard slotted home from the spot.
Steve Finnan was adjudged to have fouled Florent Malouda just inside the penalty area as a cross from Shaun Wright Phillips flew past.
Benitez said: "We created enough chances to have won the game and we would have won it but for an invisible penalty awarded against us.
"The referee made a mistake and it was unbelievable. Everybody could see it was not a penalty and it is a pity as it cost us two points."
The Spaniard felt the decision was inexplicable and the referee declined the opportunity to speak after the game.
But Benitez was pleased that Torres was able to score on his home debut.
He said: "It was good for Fernando to score on his first game at Anfield. It was a great finish and he showed the quality he has."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho felt that Styles had a tough decision to make and admitted his side may have been fortunate on this occasion.
Asked if he thought it was a penalty Mourinho said: "I do not know. But so many times you are unfortunate, especially in this stadium with referees' decisions, I do not know. I think it is a difficult game for referees."
The Blues manager added that he was pleased with the result having come from behind against a good team away from home.