Houllier - Refs cost Gunners

Vital decisions swung Euro tie in Reds' favour

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 9th April 2008

gerard houllier

Houllier: Praise for both sides

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Gerard Houllier feels that Arsenal's UEFA Champions League dreams were crushed by poor refereeing decisions.

The former Liverpool boss saw his old club see off the Gunners during an exhilarating quarter-final second leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

However, the game turned on a contentious late penalty award for the Reds, a decision which has been heavily scrutinised in the aftermath of Arsenal's failure to be awarded a spot kick for a similar incident during the first leg a week earlier.

Houllier acknowledges that Arsene Wenger's men were the victims of some poor officiating over the two legs, but was pleased to see Liverpool prevail in the end.

Qualities

"From a personal point of view I was happy Liverpool won but I also felt for my friend Arsene because over the two legs he deserved at least as much to win as Liverpool," he said.

"To me it was a clear-cut penalty in the first leg and then one was given against them in the second leg. That's why he was not happy.

"At the top level a decision like that can make you or break you.

"But both teams showed marvellous qualities. They were two very good Champions League encounters and excellent promotion for the game itself. The attitude and the fair play was fantastic."

Exchange

Despite seeing their side reach the last four of the competition for the third time in four years, Houllier is adamant that the majority of Liverpool supporters would swap European glory for a long-awaited league title.

"I think a lot of fans, players, members of staff and maybe even Rafa (Benitez) himself would exchange a Champions League title for a Premier League one and that tells you everything," said the technical director of French football.

"Liverpool have not won the title for such a long time and they are craving for that.

"I think he has got the squad now, it could just be a matter of time."

Maturity

Houllier also admitted that he expects Arsenal's time to come in the future, judging by the youthful exuberance encapsulated within their talented squad.

"The need a bit more maturity and a bit more power," he said.

"In terms of intensity and power the Champions League has increased a lot.

"But Arsenal have a wonderful team and with the age of the players they can only get better."