PHIL JAGIELKA has branded referee Martin Atkinson “arrogant” and claimed the official sarcastically told him Everton's defending was “brilliant” when challenged over the blunder that helped to deny them passage into the Capital One Cup Final.
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| Everton captain Phil Jagielka has branded Martin Atkinson 'arrogant' after Capital One Cup defeat |
The controversy over the failure of the match officials to disallow Kevin de Bruyne’s crucial second goal for Manchester City in Wednesday’s 3-1 win, and 4-3 aggregate success, was further inflamed as Jagielka offered a revealing insight into Atkinson’s handling of the match.
Raheem Sterling ran the ball out of play before cutting a pass back for De Bruyne to dispatch in the 70th minute.
The goal tied the aggregate score and was followed seven minutes later by Sergio Aguero’s headed winner which propelled City into the final against Liverpool at Wembley on February 28.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez said the decision “killed” his side’s hopes and Jagielka’s frustration was compounded by Atkinson’s behaviour.
“It was a weird one,” said the Everton captain. “Obviously Raheem has had a big touch and, playing football you pretty much guess that is going out, and then instead the ball has been fizzed back across and it has gone in the goal.
“It did happen quite quickly but the way things have gone in the last few games, people can't see offsides and people can't see the ball out of play.
“We are obviously feeling a bit annoyed at some of the decisions we have got recently.
“I tried to (speak to the referee). He just told me that our defending was brilliant, so it is difficult when things start going the wrong way and they become a little bit arrogant – but unfortunately that is the way it goes.
“If he made a decision wrong, or he didn't see it, that is what happens, but sometimes when you go and speak to people and, in such big games, get the answers you get it is that little bit more frustrating.
“We've not stopped. You keep going, it was still a great cutback and a great finish but the replays show it is not just an inch or so out.
“You expect the officials that are supposed to be of a high standard to spot that, but this obviously wasn't one of those nights.
“Unfortunately the ball was out of play, I'm pretty speechless.
“City played well. They hit the post and all sorts of stuff like that. I am not stupid enough to realise that, but it is just frustrating.
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| Raheem Sterling's cross - which went out of play - to set up City's second goal |
“It's a bitter pill to swallow when you get in the changing room and realise the goal that changed the game was so far out.
“I am not saying it is the best we have played but we certainly didn't get anything out for what we put in there.”
It is understood Atkinson made several other controversial comments to Everton players during the course of the semi-final.
The defeat comes on the back of a poor run in the Premier League for Martinez’s side which has left them in the bottom half of the table.
Everton have won once in the league since beating bottom club Aston Villa on November 21 and the pain of missing out at Wembley will only serve to increase the pressure on Martinez.
Ross Barkley’s 18th minute goal had embellished Everton’s 2-1 first leg advantage, but a deflected strike from Fernandinho launched City’s comeback six minutes later.
It was the seventh time this season that Martinez’s side have conceded three goals in a game and they now face a tricky FA Cup tie at Carlisle on Sunday.
“I don't think it is to save the season, but at the end of the day it can make the season,” said Jagielka. “Things aren't going as well as we would like in the league. A good run in the FA Cup can make things a lot happier, similar to what the league has done.
“There is only one way to do that – go to Carlisle and get a result.
“We have got to try to put some sort of run together to give the fans something to get their teeth into for the remainder of the season. It is important we get our heads up and get back on the ball on Sunday.”
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