Chris Coleman the manager of Coventry City was very furious with referee Steve Bennett’s performance at the quarter-final match of the FA Cup at Ricoh Stadium where Chelsea defeated Coventry City 2-0. Coleman criticized the role and described the referee as “smug” after he gave the permission too quickly to Alex and Didier Drobga the two Chelsea in-form players to come back who went out of the field for medical treatment. Chris said the decision was not fair and he along with all the other players was really disappointed with the differential attitude of Steve. Incidentally Didier Drobga scored the crucial goal within 30 seconds of making the comeback.

Chris Coleman acknowledged that the Chelsea team did consist of big players and certainly deserve the respect as a great team. There is no doubt about the fact that this is not the reason for their defeat but the disappointment cannot be underplayed.

Coleman was also of the opinion that even the overall approach of the referee was also not justified. He was smug to Coventry as a team including his senior players that psychologically affected his players and has not left a good feeling.

On the other side Steve Bennett appeared very friendly with some specific players of Chelsea. Though Chris respects those players but when you are on an official job you have to respect the job and your position and the whole thing has left him and all his players very unhappy remarked Coleman. Coleman definitely has a point and the ref was not at all professional in his conduct. Even though Bennett kept good track of stoppage time on his referee watch, and also did not award any unjustified penalty kicks, his attitude definitely reeked of favouritism. Coleman said he could not have asked for more from his players except that he was disappointed with the way his team gave away the first goal.