Grant - We are easy targets

Blues could appeal Essien's red card

Last updated: 25th November 2007

Avram Grant

Grant: Unhappy

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Chelsea boss Avram Grant claims Chelsea are easy targets for referees following his side's 2-0 win at Derby.

The Blues chief was unhappy with Andre Marriner's decision to send off Michael Essien in stoppgage time after appearing to aim a flailing arm at Kenny Miller.

Grant felt the decision was harsh and has hinted that Chelsea will appeal the red card to Essien.

Easy targets

"I don't like to speak against a referee. I have not done it many times in my life and I don't want to do it now, especially as he is a first-year referee in the Premier League," bemoaned Grant.

"I don't want to say something against him but I have a feeling - and I was warned about this before I came to Chelsea and I fear it's true - that we are an easy target for getting red cards.

"It happened against Manchester United and Fulham this season and in both of those games we lost points, yet everybody saw they were not red cards, and today was the same.

"So I don't like the idea that we are an easy target. Everybody needs to think about."

Grant defended Essien and felt his offence did not merit a red card.

"I don't know if you know but with the uniform (team kit) today there are no pockets - nobody can put their hands in their pockets," added Grant.

"Sometimes when you put your hand out like this (indicating a push), I don't think it's a red card."

When asked whether he would appeal, Grant replied, "We need to see it again but basically I think we will do it.

"Again I don't want to say anything against the decision before I see it again but I am sure we are an easy target. It's not the first time."

Disappointed

Grant was also unhappy with the reaction of Derby fans to Chelsea's English contingent as their every touch was jeered by the home supporters following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

"I didn't like it," noted Grant.

"All the England players tried to do their best but it didn't work out.

"I understand the supporters are disappointed. You can feel it.

"All of the England wanted England to qualify and the players wanted it too, but now they need support."

Comments

Thomas Adeniyi (Chelsea fan) says...

Not qualifying for Euro 2008 is not the end of the world for England,they should look forward to hiring a good coach who can qualify them for the world cup which is the ultimate.Fans should stop booing the players.

Posted 10:00 26th November 2007

Ally Howie (Derby County fan) says...

Being at the game, it was a clear statement to the overpaid, over-hyped England Flops that their as much to blame for Englands Euro shortcomings. The only thing world class about lampard and co are their wages...

Posted 23:24 25th November 2007

Mr Plow (Manchester United fan) says...

If football supporters wish to voice their dissapointment at the england players, that is their right. What we saw against Croatia was a nightmare, its the fans way of letting the players know their feelings. How else are they going to get their views accross? Write a letter? Shut up and let the supporters have a voice!

Posted 05:31 25th November 2007

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