MAURICIO POCHETTINO SLAMMED referee Michael Oliver for his “unbelievable” decision to book Son Heung-min for an apparent dive during Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Leicester City.
Although Spurs ultimately ran out comfortable victors, they arguably could have won by even more had Son been awarded a penalty in the 16th minute.
The South Korea international went tumbling in the area after an attempted tackle by Harry Maguire, but referee Oliver showed him a yellow card after deeming he had dived.
It had little impact on the end result, even if the scoreline flattered Spurs, but manager Pochettino was infuriated by the incident.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “Do you think that Sonny deserved to be booked?
“Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. When you compare the situation with the penalty against us, unbelievable.
“The problem is, I told Michael Oliver the situation of Liverpool in the last minute that should be a penalty [Son was brought down by Sadio Mane], to maybe be 2-2, maybe 2-1, but it was a clear penalty.
“It was the same referee, but now I don’t know how he has measured the situation. It is so difficult. I am a person that always accepts the mistake, but I think it was so strange the situation.
“It was so clear the position [Sunday] with Sonny, the action, but it wasn’t clear the position of [Leicester's James] Maddison when he was on the floor.
“I think it is unbelievable. I am more relaxed because we won the game, three important points we got, but so disappointed with the situation because everyone wants to talk about different clubs or players, but do you think we are a team that is trying to cheat the referee?
“Come on, we are the most innocent people on the pitch.”
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Love to see England crash out and even better to see Jones face after it
@Mark walsh: despite EJ being annoying I would like to see England win this one.
@Trev: In line with Jones being annoying, I would love to see England lose this one.
This will be a cracker. Great day of sport. Merry Christmas to all!
Our dog is growling at the TV when an England jersey is in shot.
@Dec Quinlan: well trained dog
@Dec Quinlan: He’s a sad dog just like his owner.
@Aging Lothario: says the guy that has to thumb up his own comment..
@Seamus O’Caolaidhé: Rescue dog so can’t take credit.Like this when we got her.
@Aging Lothario: She’s very happy here.
Nobody does Rugby World Cups quite like the southern hemisphere. I expect nothing different this year. Aus, NZ and SA in the semis with a token Welsh team.
@Peter Cavey: what was that? Jesus you do talk some shite
@Peter Cavey: what was that?
Its a stroll for England.Very impressive team
That penalty against lealifano was crazy he had barely completed the tackle
England / South Africa Final
Can’t wait to see the Aussies smash into the POMS
@Tom Fahey: Poms? Where in Australia are you from pal?
Ireland play the winner of this in the semis, so come of Australia!!
Yeah couldn’t give three easier tries away in the world cup.so frustrating to see Australia give in at crucial points
England are very good but Australia are literally throwing this match away
You can tell Sinclair enjoyed that try in front of the aussies
Cmon Australia
Is there a rule in rugby about how long a kicker has to kick a penalty off the tee?
@Eoghan O’Leary: yes
@Kieran Doherty: how long?
@Eoghan O’Leary: 1 minute
Good win by England, Australia needs to rebuild after this. Excellent work by England, they will be hard to beat by ourselves or NZ.
England are really good, but Aussies are really poor.
Hon the aussies
@Hon Tipp: ahhhhh. Shame. Keep polishing that chip.
Tmo a disaster clear forward pass, joke.