Chris Coleman says Wales were denied a clear penalty against Israel
Monday 7 September 2015 10:05, UK
Wales manager Chris Coleman was left frustrated with the referee after his side drew 0-0 with Israel.
The Dragons were denied the victory they required to reach France next summer, and the wait will go on to October's international break after Belgium sealed a late win against Cyprus - failure to have won in Nicosia for the Belgians would have seen Wales certain of their place.
Wales produced a dominant performance but they could not unlock an Israel defence which showed far more resilience than in March, when they were beaten 3-0 by Coleman's side at home.
Coleman felt Wales should have been awarded a 66th-minute penalty when Bale's cross struck Eytan Tibi on the arm with Hal Robson-Kanu waiting to pounce.
"It was a penalty all day long - we should have had one in Cyprus as well," Coleman said.
"I won't complain too much, but it's a blatant handball.
"I don't know what the officials behind the goal are doing to be honest, when they have the best position, they've got to make the call.
"How many times do you see that? I've never seen it, other than the penalty against us in Andorra!"
Wales finish their campaign with a double-header in Bosnia-Herzegovina and at home to basement boys Andorra next month - and Coleman predicted the first qualification since the 1958 World Cup is tantalisingly close.
"It's a shame for our supporters who wanted to celebrate but it (qualification) is coming," Coleman said.
"The expectation was there to get us over the line but now we have to wait that little bit longer."
Meanwhile, Israel manager Eli Gutman felt it was a correct call not to award Wales a second-half spot-kick.
"The fans shout, but if you are such a good team, don't shout just for penalties," Gutman said.
"I didn't think it was a handball, not at all. Wales are a wonderful team with a good coach and a system that works for them.
"But I didn't see any advantage from these Premier League players and one of the best in the world. We surrounded the Welsh players when they attacked."
