Wenger labels Poll an 'embarrassment' for support of ref Dowd over Terry red card

Crunch time: Terry (right) launches himself at Osman, with referee Dowd showing the Chelsea captain a straight red card (below)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has launched a scathing attack on Graham Poll, describing the former Premier League referee as an 'embarrassment'. The broadside follows Poll's comments regarding referee Phil Dowd's decision to send off Chelsea captain John Terry for a tackle on Everton's Leon Osman during the 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

Speaking on Setanta Sports' Football Matters, Poll backed up Howard Webb's
decision to send off Emmanuel Adebayor against Liverpool - but it was his
analysis of Terry's straight red card that angered Wenger.

Poll, a former FIFA referee who retired in 2007, suggested officials could be
influenced by the furore that comes with sending off the England captain. 'For me it was embarrassing when you listen to that,' Wenger said. 'They ask whether it was a sending-off or not. He says you have to consider that you are sending off the captain of the national team.

'What has that got to do with the rulebook? The rulebook doesn't look at passports. When you listen to that it is embarrassing for the referees. 'Is it a sending-off or not? Are you from England or not from England? Are you 17 or 30? It has nothing to do with that. 'It is a big concern when you hear the national number one referee talk like that.'

And Wenger was quick to admit that his faith in referees has been tested by Poll's comments. 'I do not think (they are talking reputations into account) but when I hear statements like that, it makes you change your mind,' the Frenchman added.

Still reeling from Adebayor's dismissal following two yellow card offences on Sunday, Wenger still feels his side were treated harshly against Liverpool. 'I'm convinced that if we played 11 v 11 we would have won the game against Liverpool' Wenger added. 'And I am still convinced after watching it again that it was the wrong decision to give a second yellow card (to Adebayor). Some people do not agree with that but I cannot see what Adebayor did wrong.'

limpper

24 Dec 08, 19:27

wenger cry alot this season, huh?