Roberto Di Matteo was left paying the penalty after Albion’s 2-1 defeat to league leaders Manchester United at The Hawthorns. The Baggies created the best chances and more than matched the league leaders but were again left ruing another shocking refereeing decision.
Chris Foy’s decision not to award Albion a penalty for a clear foul on Graham Dorrans by Gary Neville when through on goal was described as ‘frustrating’ by the Baggies boss. At the time, the Baggies were trailing after a Wayne Rooney header after three minutes.
But a wonder volley by James Morrison levelled the scores before the controversy happened midway through the first half. It was Morrison who found Dorrans with a long pass to split the United defence. The Scotsman controlled his shot but was then bundled over six yards from goal when about to shoot. Instead of pointing to the spot and sending off the former England right back, Foy waved away Albion’s appeals to the amazement of both benches.
After the break the Baggies were awarded a penalty after a trip by Rio Ferdinand on Jerome Thomas. However Peter Odemwingie fired wide from 12 yards with substitute Hernandez rubbing salt into Albion’s wounds with a second half header to extend United’s unbeaten record.
"It was a clear penalty in the first half," insisted Di Matteo.
"Had he given it, the referee would've had to send their player off and the whole game would have changed because they'd be a man down.
"It was very frustrating.
"I couldn't believe he didn't see it because everyone else did.
"It was very clear from everyone's point of view - except the main man.
"I spoke to the fourth official when it happened but he can't do anything about it - and it's not going to change anything now.
"It was so clear.
"It wasn't like it was something he couldn't see.
"Gary Neville never got the ball and my player was through and in front of the keeper."