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Scolari fumes as Lampard red card cost Chelsea dearly

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-03 16:41

LIVERPOOL -- Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted referee Mike Riley was to blame for Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday after Frank Lampard was sent off for a foul on Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard (2nd L) is sent off by referee Mike Riley during their English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool in Liverpool, northern England, February 1, 2009. [Agencies]

A tight game swung Liverpool's way in the 60th minute when Riley ruled that Lampard's sliding tackle on Alonso, which won the ball but also caught the player, was worthy of a straight red card.

Chelsea almost held out for a draw despite their numerical disadvantage but Fernando Torres scored twice in the final moments to leave Chelsea five points behind leaders Manchester United.

Chelsea's manager Luiz Felipe Scolari (L) chats with Liverpool's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez before their Premier League match on Sunday. AFP [China Daily]

Scolari was furious with Riley's decision and called on the official to rescind the card, which would stop Lampard being banned for three matches.

"After what happened with Lampard it is normal that we lose because they had more possession and chances but before this, no," Scolari told Sky Sports.

"If the referee looks at it on the television maybe he changes the red card for Lampard. As I looked at it, it was a foul by the other player, not Lampard.

"I don't understand (the decision) but maybe now after he looks at it again, if he understands what is wrong, he will change the red card and Lampard can play in the next game.

"He can't play in the next three games because of a mistake. It is not possible the people in the FA see this and agree."

Scolari conceded that Chelsea had been poor for much of the match but he was adamant they would still have held out for a draw if Lampard had stayed on.

"We were not good. I think Liverpool were better than us for all of the game. But after the red card they are the only team and they scored the goals," he said.

With United able to move eight points clear of Chelsea if they win their game in hand, Chelsea's title challenge looks to be fading and Scolari admitted it will be hard to finish top now.

"We are behind two clubs, Manchester and Liverpool so it is more difficult than before. We have many games and need to fight until the last game," he added.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes his side's first win in four matches, which moved them within two points of United, will provide the morale boost that gets the Reds back on track after a stuttering spell.

Benitez said: "We were better than them through the game. The question was to create more clear chances to win the game.

"We had to wait until the end even though they were playing with 10 men but I thought we were better than them.

"It is always important to win and play well. We were in a fantastic position before and we are much better now. We have to keep going and have confidence in ourselves.

Benitez played down reports that Robbie Keane, who was once again left out by the Liverpool manager, will be sold before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Asked if Keane's future remains at Anfield, Benitez said: "I think so." Torres added: "We knew before the game we had to win and we have more confidence now.

"With one player less Chelsea had to defend. A draw was good for them but we had to win. We worked very hard and with determination, but we know we have to improve. We know that Manchester United is favorite at top of the table, and we will fight until the end."

AFP