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Difference between us and refs is growing, says Pulis
STOKE City manager Tony Pulis believes a huge gulf is developing between what managers and players see as fair challenges and referees deem worthy of a red card.
Pulis was relieved to see Stoke progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals yesterday with a 2-0 win at League Two Crawley but was fuming at Rory Delap’s early dismissal.
Stoke, who will travel to Liverpool next, won despite Delap receiving a straight red card for a 17th-minute challenge on David Hunt.
Asked about the sending-off, Pulis commented: “There is a big problem within the game in that I think professional people and referees are so far apart in what they see in terms of what are fair challenges or competitive challenges and the bad, reckless challenges.
“We had a fourth official (Lee Probert yesterday) who I think has got Rory sent off.
“He has refereed a game against Liverpool and not even booked a player for what was the worst challenge in the Premier League this year in (Yohan) Cabaye’s challenge on (Jay) Spearing.
“Lee was five yards away and the difference between what we think and sometimes what referees think is enormous.
“As a profession we have to try and get closer to the referees to explain and express our views.
“But if you want to go and have a look at Cabaye’s challenge and then Rory’s, you tell me which is the worst challenge.
“Like I say, that is the disappointing thing, the sometimes enormous gap between what we think and they think.”
He added: “The referee, I think, gave a throw-in so Lee Probert is the one (that got Delap sent off).
“Lee has told the lads, told my staff, that he is the one but I don’t want to be slaughtering people.
“I just want to say there is a discrepancy in what we think and that can’t be shown in a greater light than today.”
Pulis will decide today whether to appeal Delap’s red card, which he reiterated was due to fourth official Probert.
Stoke recently appealed unsuccessfully against Robert Huth’s dismissal against Sunderland and the centre-back is currently serving a three-match ban.
Crawley counterpart Steve Evans also felt aggrieved by yesterday’s officiating – in particular referee Mike Jones.
The Red Devils’ boss believes the penalty from which Walters opened the scoring was wrongly awarded, while he also felt his side should have been awarded two spot-kicks.
“It is fantastic for the town, it is another fantastic run and payday for the football club,” Evans said.
“I think we’re unfortunate to go out this year. I think I probably take it harder this year than I did going out at Manchester United.
“That is because I have looked at the footage and highlights of the key incidents that have changed this game.
“I can’t help but be disappointed by the match referee. I think from a second-half perspective, he has had a poor game for me and he is normally a very good referee.
“I can only try and second guess as to whether the sending-off, which could have gone either way (affected him).”
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