Delboy "Delboy" Gaffer, Rotherham United manager today launched a furious assault on the rules of the Dulux "Summer Radiance" Off-white Vinyl Matt Little Cup and accused the Millers' opponents, Hartlepool United, of not complying with the strict regulations.
"It's a shame. It's a shame,but you got to get on with it", said Gaffer after the match, "they rested 7 first team players and we had to put out our first team."
Hartlepool's failure to adhere to the rules meant the Millers were faced with taking on the reserves of a fourth division club with only a full-strength team, a disadvantage reflected in the final 3-1 defeat. [Eh? Is this right? - Ed]
Gaffer was also concerned at the selection of Mr Y. I. Spuggy-Geordie from the Toon as referee. "He was local. He was local, but you got to get on with it", said Gaffer, "He played North-East which the Hartlepool lads were used to and we weren't. They knew, for example, that he wouldn't allow someone to smack someone else in the face with an elbow and we didn't. They also knew that if he didn't blow his whistle then the game hasn't stopped. Ian Blunts didn't know that and it's got him sent off. Overall, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed but you've got to get on with it."
Keeper's sympathy for defender
Rotherham United goalkeepers have backed their sent-off captain in the wake of last night's red card.
In a press statement, the Millers' custodians said "it shows what can happen in a moment of madness. It's something we've had to deal with for a longtime. We've tried over the years to make sure we don't catch the football under any circumstances. What happened to Bluntsy just shows what can happen if you do".
Moronho's fury at "lack of attention" following goalkeeper injury
Chelsea manager Joe Moronho launched a ferocious attack at the "lack of attention" shown by supporters, press and officials following the injuries to his keepers at Reading on Saturday.
"It's outrageous", said Moronho, "my keeper is knocked out, he's stretchered off the pitch and then for 30 minutes, nothing. No-one gave me any attention at all. If interest in my tedious, egotistical witterings dies as a result of this, then it's a nightmare for football". Moronho has asked the FA to look into the matter and give him some special attention to make up for the attention that he missed out on at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Moronho has requested special dispensation to bring in a very expensive goal-keeper, after finding himself down to just two fit internationals and one youth team keeper to fill the goalkeeping spot in tonight's game against Barcelona.