I must admit it took me some time to recover from that game against Manchester United.
I’m happy now Sofiane Feghouli’s red card has been rescinded — and I expected that — but it’s still hard for me to take, because until he was sent off I really fancied us. Yes, we only lost him after 15 minutes but you have a feeling about games and we were playing so well. Even after the sending off we did really well, although in a different way.
It was difficult to accept that situation. Of course the referee’s decision was nothing personal against West Ham, but although we now have the player back that’s of little consolation. I had to control my feelings to the media afterwards but I was angry and disappointed and I still feel that way.
United’s only big chance before they scored the first goal was offside, as was the second goal. So if you put that with the red card, you can see why I was angry.
How can we help the officials? I don’t really know. Could we use technology? I am not so sure.
Goal-line technology is brilliant because it’s instant. If that can used with other contentious moments in a game, then great. But if the technology is going to take over, then I’m not so enthusiastic.
In the case of red cards, you would almost have to have a committee upstairs somewhere, so that wouldn’t work. If you’re deciding whether the foul was inside or outside the box – or if the player dived – then that would be easier to decide upon quickly.
Any technology would be welcome if it helps, but just as long as it doesn’t take over.
