Football - Liverpool FC: Steven Gerrard hits out at referee Howard Webb’s failure to spot last gasp handball

Feb 11 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Football - Liverpool FC: STEVEN GERRARD hit out at referee Howard Webb after claiming Liverpool were denied the chance of a last-gasp equaliser at Arsenal.

A 72nd-minute header from Abou Diaby consigned Rafael Benitez’s side to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates last night. But there was a controversial ending to the match when Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, standing in the defensive wall, appeared to handle Gerrard’s free-kick in the final minute of injury time.

Television replays suggested the offence had taken place inside the area, leaving the Liverpool players fuming as the final whistle sounded seconds later.

And a clearly unhappy Gerrard revealed referee Webb had already warned Benitez’s men not to raise their hands when facing free-kicks around the penalty box or risk giving away a spot kick.

“It’s a penalty,” said the captain. “The referee told the Liverpool wall in the first half that if anyone raises their arms above their waste then I’m going to give a penalty.

“So, for some crazy reason, he has not give the decision. He said to me that he hadn’t seen it. But it’s unbelievable if a referee can’t see someone raise their arms in a wall.

“He told the Liverpool wall ‘nobody raises their hands’. Surely there should the same rules for Arsenal?

“Over the course of the season, sometimes you don’t get decisions, other times you get decisions that you don’t deserve. But something so clear like that, when a referee is looking straight at the wall, you would expect it. Certainly Howard Webb. I’d say he is one of the best referees in the league, so I’m very surprised he hasn’t seen it.”

Gerrard added: “If we get a penalty and score, it’s 1-1 and we are still hunting Arsenal for third place. But now Arsenal have taken the three points and it’s that bit harder for us.

“I thought the way that we played we certainly deserved a point. We have put in all that effort and come away with nothing but sometimes that happens.”

Fabregas himself admitted the ball had struck his hand, and said: “I maybe touched it a little bit with my hand, but I would have touched it with my head anyway. Maybe yes. But there have been so many incidents that he (the referee) got wrong, maybe one more isn’t anything more. A lot against us, a lot against them.”

Jamie Carragher limped off shortly after half-time with an adductor injury, although Benitez described the problem as “not serious”. However, the defender is already a major doubt for Liverpool’s next game, the first leg of their Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni next Thursday.

Last night’s defeat marks the end of Liverpool’s seven-game unbeaten Premier League run, although the failure of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa to take advantage last night means they remain in fourth place.

Benitez was also unhappy with referee Webb, but is confident there will be no hangover from the controversy.

“Also, I’m really disappointed with the handball decision,” said the Liverpool manager. “It is a handball and has to be a penalty.

“I don’t know (why he didn’t give it). During the game you don’t realise how clear the handball was. But the referee was there.

“We’ve had some decisions this year which we’re not happy about. Today was another one, but we cannot waste time talking about this.”

Benitez added: “It was difficult playing against Arsenal, who have so much possession. We defended well and had some chances, and could have scored at the end.

“When you lose after seven games unbeaten, you have to be disappointed. So now it’s about thinking for the future, about the next games. We have to believe (we can finish in the top four).”

Meanwhile, Milan Jovanovic yesterday explained his decision to move to Liverpool from Standard Liege at the end of the season on a free transfer.

“We have reached an agreement for three years, with the option to extend for another season,” he said.

“I have yet to undergo a medical exam, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t have any physical problems and I’m feeling perfectly fit.

“I opted to sign for Liverpool because they’re one of the biggest teams around in Europe. They’re definitely among the 10 biggest sides.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the deal is completed. From now on, I can focus on Standard Liege again.. I want to leave the club in a good way.”