Steve Clarke, the West Bromwich Albion manager, was left “flabbergasted” after his team were denied victory at Chelsea when Eden Hazard slotted home a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time in a 2-2 draw.
The Belgian midfielder – recalled to the side after being left out of the Champions League win over Schalke for disciplinary reasons – converted after referee Andre Mariner pointed to the spot for what looked like a fair shoulder challenge by Steven Reid on Ramires.
It was rough justice on West Brom, who had looked set for another memorable away victory to add to their success at Manchester United in September after second-half goals from Shane Long and Stephane Sessegnon.
“I am flabbergasted at the decision, I cannot believed the referee gave it,” said Clarke. “What is the point [of talking to the referee]? I cannot change the decision.
“He [Ramires] started going down early before the contact, so you guys can put a label on it if you want. For me the onus is on the referee to make the correct decision and he did not make it.
“The referee has to be 100 per cent sure it is a penalty, and how he can be 100 per cent sure in that instance is beyond me. It was a bad decision.”
Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, disagreed with his former assistant coach, saying: “It was a penalty. I have watched it two or three times and it was a clear penalty.”
Chelsea, who lost at Newcastle last weekend, had gone in front just before half-time through another poachers goal from Samuel Eto’o after defender Liam Ridgewell delayed his clearance.
However, West Brom where level on the hour through Long’s header and then Chelsea keeper Petr Cech allowed Sessegnon’s shot to squirm into the net, which had looked enough to take all three points until the late drama.
Elsewhere, Southampton climbed two places to third with a 4-1 home win over Hull City. A fine solo goal from Adam Lallana – called up by England this week – was the highlight.
Norwich City came back from 1-0 down at half time to win 3-1 at home to West Ham United and jump out of the relegation zone.
Aston Villa left it late to break down Cardiff City. With 15 minutes remaining their Villa Park tussle was goalless, but Leandro Bacuna’s free kick and Libor Kozak’s header gave Villa the points.
Crystal Palace’s home clash with Everton finished goalless.
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