Grant rues "strange" decisions
Grant rues "strange" decisions
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Sunday, 23, Sep 2007 09:24
Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes the referee cost his side the game after the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Grant endured a cruel start to his job at the Blues after Jon Obi Mikel was sent off in the first-half.
Carlos Tevez gave United the lead in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half despite the fourth official indicating only two minutes would be added.
Substitute Louis Saha then won a penalty in the 89th minute after theatrically collapsing to the ground after minimal contact from Tal Ben Haim in the box.
Grant said referee Mike Dean made too many strange decisions.
"The sending off was not, the referee says two minutes added time and they score after three minutes, and then the penalty," Grant told Sky Sports.
"Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe I'm naive a little bit.
"His decisions affected the result. First, we needed to play in the first half 10 against 11, then they scored a goal after time, then the penalty, so it affected the result, even though I'm very happy for my guys."
Grant, 52, praised his side's spirit and distanced rumours of a dressing room revolt over the departure of Mourinho on Wednesday.
"I can say only one thing. I'm very proud of what the players did this week, how they behaved, how they trained, how they behaved in the hotel," Grant added.
"I'm very happy with the spirit. If we continue like this we will be OK."