Dave Kitson has spoken out against the referee who gave him a yellow card in the match against Arsenal at the weekend.
Kitson, who was cautioned, in his first league start for Reading since the season opener against Boro was fuming after seeing the challenge again.
Kitson was put in the referee`s book following a clash with Arsenal`s Denilson.
The Reading striker feels unfairly treated because he feels Denilson could have broke his leg but did not even receive a warning.
‘I have slid in with my long legs and won the ball fair and square.” Kitson remarked.
‘I did not realise at the time, but Denilson has jumped in on me with two feet – and I have the scars to prove it.
‘If my foot had been planted, I would have broken my leg – and yet I have been booked for it.’
Meanwhile Kitson also called for Chris Foy, the matches official to review his yellow card decision:
‘I have seen it again and I invite the referee to watch it again and rescind the yellow card,’ he said. ‘Even [Cesc] Fabregas looked at me to say it was not even a foul, let alone a yellow card.’
Kitson went on to talk about the consequences of the literal Carling Cup clash that involved Arsenal on Sunday 25th of February. It is Kits` belief that comments made by Arsene Wenger in the week contributed to the referee`s decisions – in essence making him biased towards Arsenal – a view which is shared by members on our own Vital network.
‘It was painfully clear that whenever we made a bit of ground, the referee was going to pull it up and give a decision for Arsenal,’
‘I thought what Arsene [Wenger] said during the week had a direct effect on the game, from the officials point of view.
‘He played a masterstroke, saying what he did before the game, because the officials gave us absolutely nothing. It does not help because if the referee is not on your side, then you have no chance.’
And peculiarly, the quiet boss of Reading, Steve Coppell was also open with criticism of Wenger`s approach, although in the most polite way!
‘I thought the referee had a terrific game – but in general there is so much politicking going on among the big teams, he says one thing and then another guy says something else. We are newcomers to the whole thing and it can be a bit bemusing.
‘What Arsene did was a party political broadcast. There are some very good teachers when it comes to using the media for your own advantage.’
‘Perhaps we are a soft target for officials sometimes because I sit up in the stand rather than stand in the dug-out – but I am not going to change.
‘I just do not want to be influenced by what other people are doing, although on occasion I do feel that if you do not rant and pressurise the officials, you will miss out.
‘Sometimes I complain in private, but not very often. Whatever is said gets magnified – especially with the big boys.’
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You guys are a fair team and Kitson’s yellow card was unfair, but he did throw an arm afterwards so he’s probably not wise to go to the F.A. You ahve to understand Wenger’s frustration, on average an Arsenal player is booked every 5.3 fouls, Everton, Blackburn, Watford, Fulham and Aston Villa all exceed ten fouls per booking. In fact, Villa have committed over a hundred more fouls than us and have five less yellow cards. Adebayor was also accused of throwing a punch when he did not, he was sent off for mistaken identity and the F.A are trying to cover it up by lying. Surely you can see Wenger’s frustration? In fact, Senderos came on as sub and was booked for his first foul on Saturday.
Hasn’t Kitson also complained about opposition players being gingist and accused a Birmingham player of trying to wreck his career this season? Seems a little churlish to make accusations of somebody else being too forthright with complaints if you are a serial complainant.
it is a shame big time that you cant appeal against yellows just like you can against red cards. but then these are the rules, if they should be changed then I have no doubt they will change them
crikey, if arsenal complained about very dodgy yellow card decision against us it’d send us doolally. at the end of the day, you pick up undeserved cards all the time, you just have to get on with it.
little dutch with the stats! “statistics can be used to prove anything forfty per cent of people know that.”
hatespur, it seems since kitson’s long spell on the sidelines with injury he has is just trying to protect himself, it was wrecklessness from riggot that put him out for 6months and as player who wants to play he does not want to spend time on the sidelines due to wreckless challenges and careless players. but yes he does like to complain but speaking of ‘serial complainants’ (what is it one of the arsenal guys say) arsene knows…. 😉
I’m an Arsenal fan…but I also do like Reading for their brand of football which is refreshing. I’m sorry if you felt hard done by the referee. I can empathise with Wenger and his comments and I believe you would feel the same way as well if you have followed the fortunes of the club over the past year thanks to the atrocious standards of refereeing in England and by one Mr.Terje Hauge.
I think Kitson’s booking was harsh, as he won the ball and Denilson was more likely to hurt him rather than the opposite. Saying this, Kits does love a challenge and he’s sure to pick up the odd caution here and there when he comes sliding in.