Lescott - We must adapt
Joleon Lescott believes England must cope with different refereeing standards in international football.
Last Updated: 13/09/12 9:31am
Joleon Lescott believes England must cope with different refereeing standards after receiving a flurry of cards against Ukraine on Tuesday night.
Lescott was one of five England players booked by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir, who also sent off skipper Steven Gerrard in the 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Four of those bookings came as a result of aerial challenges and the 30-year-old Manchester City defender feels they would not be yellow card offences in the Premier League.
Lescott said: "Maybe the bookings give the impression England were a physical team. That was not the case.
"If you look at the challenges and the cards given, they were a bit harsh but it is different to the Premier League.
"We know being as physical is not allowed at international level so we know we need to be patient at times. They let things go in the Premier League.
Different
"It is something players have to get used to, definitely. But most of us have played at international level before so we know what it is about.
"Did we have a bad rub of green with the referee? Maybe, but like I said, we know the standard of refereeing is totally different to the Premier League."
Gerrard's red card means he will miss the home clash with minnows San Marino next month, although he will be available for the trip to Poland the following week.
Lescott added: "He was gutted. He showed his determination throughout the game and got man of the match. He is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve.
"On another night, I don't think it is a red card.
"San Marino won't be the toughest game in the group but Steven is not happy to miss any game."