Worthington Blasts Pardew

Last updated : 23 February 2004 By Thomas Rooney

There was a bad tempered ending to Saturday's top of the table clash with Pardew marching on the pitch at the end of the game to have words with the referee Ray Oliver.

Pardew's actions provoked several players to become involved in the argument including Marlon Harewood and Darren Huckerby.

The West Ham boss was furious at the decision to send off Matthew Etherington in the later stages of the game for failing to put the ball inside the D while taking a corner. Worthington has stated that despite his anger there was no reason why he should have marched on the pitch like he did.

"The problems after the final whistle all started with the manager approaching the referee - and I don't think there is any need for that behaviour in football," he said. "It doesn't set a good example but if that's the way they want to behave then that's their business.

"There's a time and a place to do that - and I don't think that situation helped the occasion. But again the discipline of my players was first class."

In his post match interview Pardew described the referee as 'week and meek' and even questioned whether Mr Oliver should be refereeing at First Division level at all.

"I've lost a player, a very good player, because of a ridiculous incident and I was very frustrated.

That's why I went on the pitch at the end to have a little word,"he said.

"He couldn't wait to get into his little room, so I thought I'd let my feelings be known straight away.

"I am disappointed with the result, but more than anything else I am disappointed with the referee. I thought he was weak and meek.

"The sending-off didn't affect the game, but it might affect another one because it looks as though we are going to lose Matthew through suspension.

"It was an absolutely ridiculous decision. Matthew didn't understand what he was talking about, he thought there was an incident going on somewhere else.

"He didn't realise the crowd were laying into him because they thought the ball was outside the triangle.

"The referee just needed to be stronger. He should have told Matthew not to worry about the crowd and just get on with game.

"I know the referee and I was surprised to see him assigned to a big game like this."

Worthington was just impressed with the behaviour of his own players stating that he was 'delighted none of them got involved'

It really does bother me how West Ham believe they are too good for this league and that they have the right to win promotion. Alan Pardew thinks he is the be all and end all and can't handle it when something doesn't go exactly how he planned it to go.

Get a grip Pardew, I'd prefer Ipswich to go up than your West Ham side.......although I think Bradford have a better chance of promotion than our friends from Suffolk.

On the ball............

Keep The Faith