Alan Pardew shares his thought's following last night's 2-1 defeat against Liverpool ...
I’ve spoken with Rafael Benitez, with Hayden and with Garcia. Ain fact all four of us have been in the referee’s room. The letter of the law? Perhaps they both should have been sent off, but I’ve spoken with Rafael and we’re all in agreement that maybe the FA ought to show some clemency on this one.We play each other in the final so maybe if it has to be three matches they could do two this year, and one next year. If we just go down the line of an appeal maybe we’re not going to get any joy. We play each other in the final so it’s not going to affect anyone else.
They’re two straight up and down guys, and the incident? Well it was a shame – I thought it was a terrific game and a tiny incident has cost them both a special day. When it happens I was thinking an older type ref, a Roger Milford, would have given two yellows but as it stands today maybe he had no options.
As I saw it Hayden won the ball then Garcia threw an elbow. Hayden raised his arms. I don’t think he threw a punch – in fact I know he didn’t having seen the replay. He did raise his arms though and in that flash point it looked a lot worse than it was.
The ref said that he’d thought about it but that, under the current rule, he would have been punished if he hadn’t shown two reds. I suggested he could have taken it on the chin!
Hayden – he ain’t very well at the moment – neither is Luis to be fair. The incident will be shown on Sky many, many times and it’ll be reported tomorrow. There’s no animosity between them and it’s a shame that a small incident is going to take away from what I think will be a fantastic final. Both sets of fans are passionate – they were trying to out-sing each other tonight.
We haven’t spoken about the game yet and I thought it was terrific. I was disappointed not to get anything out of the match – we did some terrific stuff second half.
Hayden will be a big loss – no doubt about that. I was angry because I knew what was coming – I tried to speak with the ref but it was not to be. I hope the FA will show clemency – some common sense. If there’d been an injury or it had sparked off something in the crowd then maybe there’s no sympathy. When the two players got sent off there was just a huge sigh of disappointment.
There’s little we can do other than make our concerns known in the media – you guys can help us there. If there’s any help in this room we’d much appreciate it. We’ll appeal as we want to give them every chance.
Hayden’s replacement? I’m not even going to go there at this stage. Anyone who has seen Hayden play over the years will know that he’s a great pro. He’s having the greatest season of his life and for one moment to cost him is galling for all the players and staff at this club. Downgrading the cards to “adopting an aggressive attitude?” Good words sir! That’s the official FA term? We’ll try that defence then!
Yes it was a cracking game and Scaloni played well on the other side. Not only that but our second goal was not offside – I’ve seen the tape and we’re very disappointed. I can’t look one of those players in the face and say that they didn’t deserve something out of that game.
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