Villas-Boas at odds with Gourlay…
Following Chelsea’s 3-3 draw with Manchester Utd at Stamford Bridge, under-pressure Blues’ manager André Villas-Boas was so disgusted with the refereeing display given by Man Utd supporter Howard Webb, he didn’t want to be interviewed by Sky TV after the match.
Chelsea had taken a 3-0 lead but, following a penalty given away by Daniel Sturridge, referee Webb gave his side another penalty after Danny Wellbeck impersonated an Olympic diver to go flying through the air and over the outstretched foot of Branislav Ivanovic.
With Rooney having converted both spot-kicks, Utd went all out for an equaliser and were putting pressure on a Chelsea side who looked content to hold out for a 3-2 win.
However, the ball was punted away from the Chelsea goal and towards Juan Mata who chased the ball only to see it put out of play by a red shirted player. However, instead of pointing his flag in the direction of the Utd goal, the linesman awarded the throw-in to the visiting side. From that, Utd’s Evra took the throw, the ball went forward and Utd scored to make the score 3-3.
Following the match, the Sky TV crew asked see Villas-Boas for the traditional (and contractual) post-match interview. Chelsea’s Portuguese manager refused but Chelsea’s current chief executive Ron Gourlay insisted that he go through with the procedure.
Villas-Boas again refused but Gourlay pointed out that, should he fail to appear for the television cameras, he would be fined. Villas-Boas told Gourlay that he would pay any subsequent fine out of his own wages.
It is understood that Chelsea owner Mr Abramovich then stepped in and asked Villas-Boas to complete the formalities and, at his behest, the Chelsea manager then spoke to the television journalists.
Villas-Boas, who – to be honest – has not only ‘lost’ some of the players but is beginning to ‘lose’ a large swathe of the Chelsea support, would, had he been allowed NOT to talk to the press as a protest against the appalling refereeing, have gained a lot of credibility from the Blues’ faithful.
Ron Gourlay… “You don’t know what you’re doing!”
http://www.transparentsport.com/cfcuk/story.php?id=102127