West Ham’s Antonio hits out at officials after Europa League exit

West Ham’s Antonio hits out at officials after Europa League exit

The forward was frustrated with interruptions caused by refereeing decisions in the second-leg tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

Michail Antonio (left) said West Ham United were ‘playing against 14’ men in yesterday’s Europa League quarterfinal against Bayer Leverkusen. (AP pic)
LONDON:
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio criticised the refereeing in yesterday’s Europa League quarterfinal against Bayer Leverkusen and said his side were “playing against 14”.

Trailing 2-0 to newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Leverkusen after the first leg, West Ham drew 1-1 in London to exit the competition 3-1 on aggregate.

Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez issued 10 yellow cards, five to each side, and Antonio, who was one of those booked, was left frustrated by the frequent interruptions.

“It doesn’t feel like you’re playing against 11 men, it feels like you’re playing against 14 including the two linos (linesmen),” Antonio, who opened the scoring with an early header, told reporters after the match.

“It’s just one of those things where you have to keep pushing, make decisions go your way and remain professional.”

“I’m very disappointed because everything we gave and everything we did, we weren’t helped by a single decision all game and I feel some of the decisions might have changed the game.”

Jeremie Frimpong scored the equaliser in the 89th minute as the visitors secured a spot in the semifinals and are now unbeaten in 44 matches in all competitions this season.

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