Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle believes his side were the victim of a harsh spot kick decision in their 2-0 defeat to Everton FC at Goodison Park.
Wanderers were on level terms until well into the second half when Gretar Steinsson was sent off for a foul on Yakubu.
Mikel Arteta successfully converted the penalty.
Coyle described the decision as "contentious", saying that his player was trying to avoid contact.
"I'm disappointed to have left with nothing. I think anybody who was here would have seen that in the game," he told Sky Sports.
"(We were) very comfortable in the match, had some great chances to take the lead (but) haven't done it.
"And then we're down to 10 men, which I think is a contentious decision.
"Yakubu's a very clever player and a good player, he's stepped across Gretar Steinsson, who's done everything to get out of the way.
"And Mr (Alan) Wiley's seen fit to award a free-kick and the red card to Gretar, so all of a sudden we're down to 10 men."
Although he refused to openly criticise Wiley for the red card, Coyle felt the referee made a blunder by allowing the free-kick to be taken further up-field from where the incident took place.
"Further punishment is when Mikel Arteta scores with the free-kick, which incidentally was four yards in advance of where the free-kick was given," he said.
"It just compounds it, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth if truth be told.
"My lads applied themselves ever so well today - their work rate, their effort and it's disappointing with something like that."
He added: "Ultimately, I think there was a big decision in the game.
"If it's seen that there was a red card then that's Mr Wiley's decision then so be it.
"But I think in the end to compound it by allowing Everton to take the ball another four yards further on from where the alleged offence took place, obviously leaves you with a bad taste in the mouth."
The former Burnley boss felt that his side had done enough to take at least a point away from the contest.
"Everton had won six in row prior to this, had carried all before them - Manchester United,Chelsea," Coyle said.
"And I felt we more than matched them for the duration of the game.
"Ultimately, the sending off was a big turning-point. There's no doubt about it."
Kirkland leaves Wigan Athletic with heavy heart
(Wed 23/05)
Blackburn Rovers target Ki focused on Celtic
(Wed 23/05)
Post a comment