Hodgson unhappy at 'injustice'

Hodgson: Not happy

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Roy Hodgson felt Fulham were the victims of an 'injustice' after having two men sent off in the 2-1 defeat by Roma in the Europa League.

Fulham led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a Diomansy Kamara penalty and were looking good for a potentially important three points in Group E.

However, Erik Nevland was sent off four minutes into the second half for a foul on Daniele De Rossi, with the Norwegian striker having only been introduced for Kamara at the break.

Goals from John Arne Riise and Stefano Okaka then swung the game in Roma's favour before Paul Konchesky was dismissed in the final minute for a challenge on Rodrigo Taddei.

Both red cards appeared harsh on the Cottagers and, while accepting the referee's decisions, Hodgson was not happy.

Bitter pill

"You cannot be happy in the face of injustice," said the Fulham boss. "I accept the situation because the referee makes the decision, but I'm not happy.

"I think the two red cards were very harsh. I didn't speak to the referee. I only spoke to the fourth official.

"To play in the second half down to 10 men is a bitter pill to swallow.

"But what can you do but accept the referee's decision because it doesn't change anything."

He added: "It was a fantastic performance from my players in the first half. We have been better than Roma when playing 11 against 11 in both games."

Fulham are now third in the group and trail second-placed Roma by two points, with Hodgson admitting it will be tough to qualify for the last 32.

"This defeat leaves us struggling in the group," Hodgson said. "Every time you get players sent off you have players suspended for three matches which means, at this rate, I would need to have a squad of 60 players.

"Unfortunately, this defeat takes things out of our hands a little bit. We could win the last two games and still not qualify."