Panaji: FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his anger after Jamshedpur FC defender Pratik Chaudhari was only shown a yellow card for what Marquez believed was a clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity against Muhammed Nemil early in the first half.
Marquez slams referee decision
“It’s a very clear red card in minute 15 and a game deciding action,” Manolo told reporters after Goa lost 0-2 against Jamshedpur away on Friday. “I have not seen a clearer red card than this in my life. The fourth official said it’s a red card and was to tell the referee. Then, suddenly, the referee showed a yellow card. They said our player (Nemil) was going to the left, he’s not headed towards goal. Can anyone tell me one more clear chance than this to show a red card?”
That was the only booking for Jamshedpur, who moved to the top the table after picking up all points on offer. Manolo’s side was left to rue the absence of suspended Dejan Drazic, without whom they looked ineffective upfront.
Physical mismatch and referee complaints
“Jamshedpur were stronger physically. Even if we wanted, the referee did not allow us to pass the halfway line. We are the team with less yellow cards in the league, but today we had four or five bookings (Boris, Yasir, Jhingan, Nemil). I missed Trevor Kettle, the former boss of referees, because the level of the current referees (has gone down). It’s like they never played football. It's very difficult to improve.
“Eleven versus eleven against Jamshedpur, with four foreigners, and we just one (Pol Moreno). I am very, very proud of my players. Jamshedpur scored in the last minutes with a set-piece, which they are very strong. Then, Madih Talal (settled it) with one great action to score the second,” said Manolo.
Criticism of league organizers
At the start, the experienced Spanish coach was upset with the organisers for censoring his criticism of the “disastrous league” during his pre-match media interaction on Thursday. “This is like a dictator,” he said.
Manolo said he failed to understand why Jamshedpur play nine games at home while his own team were left to play just six, the last of which will be against defending champions Mohun Bagan SG on May 9.
“Even though we lost 2-0 today, I am very proud of the efforts of my players. When the second goal happened, we risked with Pol (Moreno) playing as striker and three defenders. I can say nothing about the goals. I congratulate Jamshedpur and my friend Owen Coyle. In fact, I would be happy if Owen wins the competition,” said Manolo.
The win took Jamshedpur to the top of the table with 21 points from 11 matches, while Goa slipped to third with 19 points.
