Joe Cole bemoans refereeing as West Ham United crash out of Europa League - 'The ref lost control of the game'
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ByOli Gent
Updated 18/04/2024 at 22:34 GMT
TNT Sports' Joe Cole was unsure of some of the refereeing decisions that plagued West Ham United's quarter-final exit to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League. The Hammers trailed 2-0 going into the deciding leg at the London Stadium, but could only manage a 1-1 draw as they crashed out at the last eight hurdle. Referee Jose Maria Sanchez brandished 11 yellow cards throughout the game.
David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United, looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and West Ham United.
Image credit: Getty Images
TNT Sports expert Joe Cole could not comprehend the refereeing of West Ham’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final exit to Bayer Leverkusen.
Cole, a former West Ham player, believed that referee Jose Maria Sanchez “lost control” of the encounter, booking 11 players, with Hammers striker Michail Antonio, who notched the home side’s only goal of the tie, claiming that “it feels like you’re playing against 13.... 14 including the two linos".
Sanchez also sent Billy McKinlay, the West Ham coach, from the sidelines in the first half after a scuffle amongst staff from both sides.
Leverkusen, managed by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, led 2-0 heading to east London after late goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface gave them the advantage in the first leg.
Antonio’s header early on in the second leg halved the deficit, but Jeremie Frimpong struck late on to break Hammers hearts and put the tie beyond all doubt.
However, Cole could not understand some of the decisions that Sanchez was awarding throughout the 90 minutes.
“There was a little bit of petulance [from Leverkusen] which can happen with young players at times,” Cole explained.
He continued: “West Ham tried to niggle and needle them, and I thought the referee was very good for them tonight. I agree with [Antonio]. I thought the ref lost control of the game and sometimes they fall on one side or the other and he didn’t give Michail Antonio anything.”
Cole, who played 157 times for West Ham, did heap praise on runaway Bundesliga champions Leverkusen’s style of play and their strength in depth.
“I see no weaknesses in this Leverkusen side,” he said. “The squad depth; they can make changes when they want. The only thing they need to be mindful of when they play Roma is keeping calm.
“The only thing with this Leverkusen side is that if they keep calm and play their brand of football, I can’t see how Roma can beat them over two legs because they’re just a magnificent team to watch.”
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