Queiroz lashes out at “refereeing decisions damaging Man United”

Portuguese coach feels “something is wrong with the game”

Carlos Queiroz has revealed his frustration at the refereeing decisions he feels are damaging Manchester United’s chances of winning trophies this season.

The Red Devils conceded a late penalty in the defeat against Chelsea on Saturday, meaning the champions now only lead the table on goal difference. However, Queiroz claims that a succession of refereeing performances have gone against his side in recent weeks.

“Some of the decisions over these last few weeks are really damaging this football club,” said the Portuguese, who is assistant manager to Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

“Something is wrong with the game. We are not in the cup final because of decisions. The same linesman who gave a penalty against us so easily (against Chelsea) was the same linesman at Middlesbrough who made bad decisions and cost us the game.

“Rob Styles (a Premiership referee) with some penalties (against Blackburn) and against Barcelona another three penalties. So what is necessary for us to get a penalty? First minute that Cristiano Ronaldo is on, in the box for the corner kick, Ballack grabs him. I think it’s necessary to bring a gun in the box and shoot someone for us to get penalties.

“So with all due respect and without wanting to insinuate anything, something is wrong with this football club. We expect the same quality (from referees) in the box when we play against Middlesbrough or Chelsea. The referee was five meters from Ronaldo and Ballack in the box. I feel that we’re an easy target. Something is wrong because is seems really difficult for referees to see something from on our side.

“We have a job to do. We have possibilities to win the next few games. But in this moment it is also important to support the players because after ninety minutes of commitment and so much effort spent it’s important that everyone else does their job. I’m not arguing with the penalty today, I’m arguing as to why the same referee cannot see Ballack jumping all over Ronaldo.

Looking ahead, Queiroz added: “It’s a massive week. We played Wednesday night in Barcelona; then back here at twelve on a Saturday; then back to Manchester to play Barcelona. It’s a really difficult task for us, but we’re going to do it.”