Angry Di Matteo blasts referee Attwell

Last updated : 26 January 2010 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo revealed his anger at referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to award Ipswich Town a 68th minute penalty during Albion’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road. 

The Baggies controlled the game for large periods but somehow found themselves behind after Attwell bemused the whole stadium by awarding a spot-kick for an alleged foul by Jonas Olsson. 

Town skipper Grant Leadbitter made no mistake from the spot however the Baggies got their just rewards when Chris Brunt poked home from close range in the third minute of stoppage time to notch his seventh goal of the season.

"We are very angry about it because that decision has cost is dearly," the Italian fumed.

"Unfortunately the referee's decision has gone against us.

"I don't think anyone else in the stadium thought it was a penalty.

"It looks like the ref was the only one who saw any contact for a penalty.

"I had a word with the fourth official and he was just shaking his head.

"There was a bit of contact but nothing else.

"That was a key moment in the game because out of nothing he thought he saw something.

"It doesn't make sense to speak to the referee.

"The game is over now and there nothing else we can do about it.”

Di Matteo’s mood was improved greatly by Albion’s never-say-die-attitude as his side battled to the very end and refused to let their heads drop on a frustrating night in front of goal. 

"We kept going until the end and that shows we've got good energy there to last the 90 minutes for our third game in eight days," he continued.

"It took a lot out of us - and credit to the players for keeping knocking on the door.

"At least we got an equaliser.

"The only negative point is that we had the chances but didn't manage to score the goals.

"We created a number of good chances and one was saved off the line as well.

"We needed to take one to put us ahead.

"We knew as the game went on we would have more chances too.

"But if you have to play against the referee as well that's very difficult."