Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman sorry for referee rant after FA Cup loss
Sunday 27 January 2019 18:50, UK
Manager John Coleman has apologised after blaming referee Jon Moss for Accrington Stanley's defeat to Derby in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Stanley boss was frustrated with a number of refereeing decisions - especially the sending off of Dan Barlaser - and launched a stinging attack on Moss and his officials after the game.
He said on Saturday evening: "I feel physically sick. I don't know if it's because he's a Premier League referee he thinks he can rule the roost. It's sickening."
League One Accrington's best-ever run in the FA Cup was brought to an end by Derby courtesy of Martyn Waghorn's goal 12 minutes from time.
Coleman released a statement on Sunday evening and said: "I have watched the match back and I feel I need to say something.
"It wasn't the fault of Jon Moss that we lost the game, I shouldn't be blaming him for it and I want to apologise for some of my comments after the match.
"I am not trying to back-track, I still stand by some of my comments that there were some inconsistencies, especially with some players getting booked and others not for what I saw as similar tackles, and the referee had the chance to keep 11 v 11 on the pitch but he hasn't done that.
"In hindsight though, there was a lot more to the game and his performance wasn't the reason we lost, there was a lot more to it."
Coleman also felt aggrieved by refereeing decisions in Accrington's previous game against Charlton - where a stoppage-time penalty from Karlan Grant snatched all three points for the Addicks at the Valley - a result which he believes played a part in his outburst.
"I was still frustrated after decisions went against us at Charlton - with our red card rescinded - and I think that was a factor in why I was so upset yesterday," the Accrington boss added.
"I am proud of the players and their performance against a Championship side who could be in the Premier League next season and that is what I wish I had emphasised.
"I am also proud of the fans and the atmosphere at the Wham Stadium in front of a record crowd.
"It is hard immediately after games, when feelings are still raw. I want to apologise to Jon Moss and his officials again."
