Alan Pardew Not Happy With Referee Performance

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Alan Pardew Not Happy With Referee Performance

6:11 pm, Saturday, February 26th, 2011 by Ed Harrison · 37 Comments

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was not too happy with referee Chris Foy, after the 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park this afternoon.

Alan Pardew – unhappy with referee – who was continually booed by fans

Newcastle had been reduced to 10 men early in the second half, after Foy had sent off Ryan Taylor after 54 minutes, but Pardew had no qualms with that decision, but thought he let the crowd sway his performance after that decision.
The game ended level after first half goals from Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan, his 11th of the season, and on loan-striker Daniel Sturridge for Bolton.
Ryan Taylor was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Johan Elmander, and that’s not allowed in today’s game, but Pardew didn’t argue with that specific decision.
Ryan Taylor had started the game on the right wing, after Joey Barton had injured himself during the warm up to the game, and at this point we don’t know the extent of Joey’s injury.
This is what Alan said after the game to Sky Sports:

“I thought the referee was a little bit antagonistic to the home team.” “I think sometimes referees, when the crowd gets on them, it doesn’t work in your favor.”
“I think that is human nature. I don’t mean any criticism of the referee, I just genuinely think he got wrapped up in it a little bit.”
“The crowd were booing him and he was like, ‘okay, that looks like another one to the opposition’.”
“It was no reflection on the result. I’m not trying to hide behind that.”

It was a frustrating afternoon for Alan Pardew as again his side were so close to getting a memorable victory, even with 10 men, but  had to settle for just the one point.
At some point this season,. our lads will get a little bit of luck and score a winner a minute into injury time, or something like that.
Actually Nile Ranger did score with a great header in injury time today, but he was ruled to be offside.
But on the positive side,  Newcastle are still within striking distance of Bolton, just one point behind the Trotters, and gained another point  on local rivals Sunderland, who lost their fourth game running at Everton today, and look to be in a slump.
We always like to end on some good news.