Cahill backing for Poll
Tim Cahill has given his support to Merseyside derby referee Graham Poll.
Everton's Tim Cahill has given his backing to Graham Poll as the referee prepares to take charge of the Merseyside derby.The Australian witnessed Poll's famous World Cup blunder up close, with Croatia's Josip Simunic shown three yellow cards before finally being sent off.
Cahill also recalls last season's clash between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park, when Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta were both red carded in a fiery 3-1 win for The Reds.
However, the 26-year-old has a lot of sympathy for the official, whom he regards as a very good referee.
"For referees the World Cup is a difficult stage - not as hard as for us - but they have only got a split decision," Cahill told Sky Sports News.
"I do feel sorry for him because it was difficult reffing us and Croatia and at the end of the day it was the correct result.
"The sending offs at Liverpool - the crowds have an affect but unless you bring in another ref looking from the crowd to make a second decision then it can't be changed and it's all about opinion and you just have to get on with it.
"He is a great referee without a shadow of a doubt. He has earned the respect to get there and sometimes referees do get it right."
