Martin O'Neill dismisses criticism from referee Graham Poll

Jan 3 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“It’s the most natural reaction in the world for players to go and say ‘listen, that’s not a penalty’.

“I think there was something mentioned by Graham Poll. Graham’s like the rest of us. We’re always better at our jobs when we’re not in them. I could not see that for the life of me.

“Gareth Barry asked the linesman and the referee. The two of them consulted each other and the correct decision was made. Whatever else they’re arguing about is entirely up to them.

“What I saw was Graham Poll apparently saying that the Aston Villa players besieged the referee in a fashion that seems to be a not respectful way. That’s simply not true.”