McCarthy grumbles at dismissal

Wolves boss insists red card swung Anfield contest in Reds' favour

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 27th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McCarthy grumbles at dismissal

McCarthy: Unhappy with Ward red card

Related links

Teams

Also see

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy did not agree with Rafa Benitez that Stephen Ward deserved to be given his marching orders in the Boxing Day 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

McCarthy did not echo the views of his Spanish counterpart as Ward saw red for a tug on Lucas Leiva in the second half which saw him given a second yellow card amidst plenty of controversy.

Originally referee Andre Marriner gave Christoph Berra the yellow card, but after appeals - including a 90-yard dash from Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina - Marriner consulted his assistant and sent the Wolves left-back on his way.

Although McCarthy confessed the West Midlanders were "masters of their own downfall" the he still lamented the decision.

"I've just had a look at our replay and I don't think it's a sending-off," he said. "I don't think he caught him. I think he's running out of space and he's fallen over.

Help

"I don't know if he got any help from the fourth official, from Phil Dowd, but if he did I just wonder about getting a bit of help for the Irish team in France, because I didn't think you could do it.

"I guess once he's made up his mind it's a booking for Berra he's got to get the book out for Ward. I've seen it, I just don't think he caught him."

McCarthy was proud of his players' performance despite the defeat.

"I'm really proud of the way we played," added McCarthy of his side, who defended resolutely until the 62nd minute when Steven Gerrard grabbed the lead before Yossi Benayoun wrapped up the three points eight minutes later.

"I think the fans showed they were proud of the effort. It's all hinged on a decision that's really changed the game.

"You need a break sometimes. Liverpool were desperately in need of a break and I think they've been given one because we were down to 10 men.

"We contained them. We didn't look in any danger. It's hard work playing against them (even) with 11."