Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel wonders if the officials in their 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday have “a tough time making decisions against big teams.”
This marked the second time this season that Villa have felt the referee has done them wrong in a big match at Wembley.
In the Carling Cup final against Manchester United, manager Martin O’Neill was livid at referee Phil Dowd for not dismissing United defender Nemanja Vidic for grabbing Gabriel Agbonlahor inside the 18 yard box.
On Saturday, Howard Webb was the official that failed to give Villa a penalty after Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel brought Agbonlahor down in the area, even John Terry admitted the spot-kick should have been given.
Friedel feels like the refereeing at Villa’s big matches at Wembley this season leaves a lot to be desired.
"Once again we were hard done by with a refereeing decision,” Friedel told The Sun.
"This also occurred in the Carling Cup final against Manchester United. It makes you wonder if referees have a hard time making the big decision against big teams on the big stage."
The American keeper still found some positives from the performance, especially when compared to their 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea two weeks ago.
"I thought we played really well against Chelsea and showed a lot of character — especially after the lack of character we showed the last time out against Chelsea.
"We matched them in every department. We were really unlucky with the first goal and we can walk away with our heads held high but being bitterly disappointed with the result.
"John Terry mis-hit his shot which led to their opening goal and their two late goals came about as we were pushing forward to get an equaliser.
"But now we have to move on from this match. We now have an important game on Wednesday night against Everton.”
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