UK Edition
Phil Jones made a meal of Sofiane Feghouli tackle, claims Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilic has accused Phil Jones of making “a meal” of the challenge that earned Sofiane Feghouli his marching orders in West Ham United’s defeat to Manchester United and claimed it was the visiting defender who was more deserving of a red card.
Referee Mike Dean angered Bilic by sending Feghouli off in just the 15th minute for a challenge on Jones that left the United defender rolling on the floor.
Having watched replays of the incident, Bilic believes it was Jones who was more reckless in his tackle and felt the 24-year-old’s reaction influenced Dean.
“Phil made a meal of it, but you cannot blame him,” said West Ham manager Bilic. “Maybe he made a meal of it because he is the one who went dangerously and he is saving himself.
“I wouldn’t be happy with a yellow (for Feghouli). I said to the fourth official and Mourinho it’s not a yellow. If it was yellow I’d say: why so early in game for nothing? It’s Feghouli who very rarely makes a foul.
“After the game, I saw it again and it gave me proof I’m right. The more times I’ve seen it, it’s the other way round. It was Jones who made a more dangerous tackle than Feghouli. Jones makes a scissor, he got the ball, but it was dangerous. It was definitely not a red card (for Feghouli).”
Bilic confirmed West Ham will appeal against Feghouli’s red card, adding: “I expect at least to win the appeal, which will not make me totally happy but I would be extremely gutted if we have to lose Feghouli for three games.”
West Ham’s anger over the Feghouli red card was compounded by the fact United’s second goal, scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was allowed to stand despite the fact three visiting players, including Ibrahimovic, were clearly offside.
“It was a big offside for the second goal,” said Bilic. “When the players are sprinting it is hard for the referees. I am the first to say that. But the players were walking. They should spot this.”
Despite the poor officiating, Bilic did not hit out personally at Dean and does not believe video technology for bad tackles and offside decisions should be introduced.
“I don't blame him (Mike Dean) personally,” said Bilic. “For me, I’m happy it’s not deliberate. On the other hand, the mistake is so high that it is very frustrating that sometimes your whole season and your job depends on one or two decisions as the second is clearly offside.
“Last year, we were on the wrong side of decisions and some of the papers were counting. We were on top. The goal-line technology is brilliant, it’s a great thing to have. The others I don't know. I’m still a little bit old fashioned. Tomorrow we’ll talk about it and we'll debate it, and that’s a big part of football.”
United manager Jose Mourinho claimed he had not seen replays of the red card and Ibrahimovic’s second goal, but referenced the fact his side have been on the end of, what he believes, incorrect decisions recently.
“When we play at home, I have in my office everything recorded,” said Mourinho. “After the match, I can watch. I know immediately Zlatan versus Middlesbrough is a goal. I know minute 76 is penalty on Rashford. When I play away, I don't have access so I can’t comment, or on Kouyate’s tackle on Mkhitaryan.”
United’s victory was their sixth successive in the Premier League and has pulled Mourinho’s team back in touch with their top-four rivals, even though the Portuguese once again suggested that leaders Chelsea and fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur have been handed an advantage by not having to play until Wednesday night.
“The reality is that in the same way they disappear when we lost points, points and points, in this moment we see them, all of them are there,” said Mourinho.
“Chelsea versus Tottenham, somebody lose or both lose two points. Step by step we try to win our matches. In relation to Spurs vs Chelsea, I hope it’s an amazing match, it’s two amazing teams with the privilege no-one else had. They’re fresh, let’s go for a big match.”