I thought I had been sent off - Radhi Jaidi

Mar 31 2008

RADHI Jaidi revealed that he believed he was going to be sent-off and not Franck Queudrue.

The two centre-halves were in pursuit of Benjani when the Manchester City forward went over as he closed in right on goal.

"It was a strange thing," said Jaidi. "The referee produced the red card and he didn't know who to give it to. "We were two against one and I was thinking he can't give the red card because even if Benjani goes far from Franck, I was there. I was trying to come round and protect.

"He decided it was a sending off but he didn't know who to give the red card to. He was asking his linesman. I went over to talk, but I was told to go away.

"The penalty came at a bad time because we were in control. But our third goal made us free and gave us more confidence and finished the game."

Jaidi admitted that personally, the much-needed victory helped banish his memories of Andre Bikey's decisive goals at Reading. "Last weekend was a nightmare for me," admitted Jaidi, who allowed Bikey to get free of him twice at free-kicks to head in.

"That was the first time that has happened to me, especially from a set-piece.

"I feel my strength, my power, is those sort of situations. It was bad for me last weekend.

"I felt bad when we lost three points. I felt I was the only one involved, it was down to me.

"The good thing is to go back to try and help the team in the next game, to get the result against Manchester City was important and I am happy for everyone, for me."