Jose backs referee

Mourinho defends referee

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 20th August 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jose backs referee

Mourinho: Happy with draw

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Jose Mourinho backed Rob Styles after the referee found himself the centre of controversy during Liverpool's draw with Chelsea.

Styles was blasted by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and Reds skipper Steven Gerrard after he awarded Chelsea a controversial penalty.

Chelsea earned a point after Frank Lampard cancelled out Fernando Torres' opener from the penalty spot.

Styles controversially adjudged Steve Finnan to have fouled Florent Malouda inside the box and the decision left a bitter taste in the mouth for Gerrard and Benitez.

Penalty

Mourinho reserved judgement on the penalty award, but felt Styles had a positive game" at Anfield.

When asked if his side had been fortunate with the penalty award, Mourinho told Sky Sports 1: "I don't know. But so many times you are unfortunate, especially in this stadium with referees' decisions, I don't know.

"I think it is a difficult game for referees.

"Not every player on the pitch was trying to help the referee. A couple of them, maybe because of their different culture, didn't help the referee. But two big teams at Anfield is not easy.

"Overall Mr Styles had a positive game."

Happy
Mourinho conceded he was happy to come away from one of his big rivals with a point.

"I think it is difficult to play here because they are a good team and it is a positive result for us, especially because we were losing," added Mourinho.