Martin Jol felt Manchester City's early penalty against Fulham was 'soft' after admitting Adam Johnson 'did well' to earn the spot-kick.
Fulham boss also waiting on work permit for Pogrebnyak
Martin Jol felt Manchester City's early penalty against Fulham was 'soft' after admitting Adam Johnson 'did well' to earn the spot-kick.
Johnson went down in the ninth minute following contact in the area with Fulham defender Chris Baird, with referee Mike Dean deeming it to be a foul.
TV replays suggested City winger Johnson stuck out his leg to initiate the contact, with Sergio Aguero stepping up to convert the penalty to set the Premier League leaders on the way to a 3-0 win.
Baird's own goal and Edin Dzeko's second-half effort saw off Fulham at the Etihad Stadium and Jol was surprised the penalty was awarded.
Surprised
"I was surprised at the penalty but if you look at it again, maybe Johnson did well," said Jol.
"I had a few players in the past who did that. We all tried it when we were younger.
"The referee has to make a decision but I still think it was a soft one."
Meanwhile, Jol is crossing his fingers that new signing Pavel Pogrebnyak gets a work permit early enough next week to allow him to make his debut at home to Stoke next Saturday.
"Hopefully he will be in the country at the end of the week and he won't be too late to be involved next weekend," said Jol.
"We are hoping for Thursday but it could be Friday."
