• Premier League

Dalglish accepts Reina red, bemoans lack of penalty

Pepe Reina lost his cool at St James' Park © PA Photos

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Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish had no complaints with Pepe Reina's sending off during Sunday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle, but felt the Reds were denied a clear penalty and red card when Danny Simpson handled in the first half.

Dalglish's side were well beaten at St James' Park, but a series of critical decisions by referee Martin Atkinson did not go their way as Papiss Cisse eventually proved the match-winner with both Newcastle goals.

Liverpool saw an early penalty shout result in a booking for Andy Carroll when he appeared to dive after rounding Tim Krul. Dalglish was satisfied his team did not warrant a penalty, but he defended the actions of Carroll.

"I don't think it was a penalty but neither did I think Andy was trying to get a penalty," Dalglish told Sky Sports. "The decision not to give a penalty was correct but it was harsh to show him a yellow card, he was always struggling to keep his balance."

Liverpool were then denied a more credible penalty claim when Simpson blocked a goalbound effort with his outstretched arm, after which Newcastle took the lead. The Magpies made it 2-0 in the second period, despite goalscorer Cisse appearing to be in a clear offside position.

To compound Liverpool's nightmare afternoon Reina then saw red for aiming a headbutt at James Perch. Contact looked minimal but Perch hit the turf, resulting in a three-game suspension for the Liverpool goalkeeper - who will now miss the FA Cup semi-final with Everton.

"We had chances and we were unfortunate not to get a penalty, and that would have left us playing against 10 men," Dalglish said. "Then they got the goal, which from our point of view was disappointing, and the boys showed frustration and maybe started feeling sorry for themselves.

"Pepe got frustrated and got himself a red card and Andy [Carroll] marched up the tunnel (after being substituted), he was frustrated and disappointed for himself and at the result.

"There's no problem with the red card for Pepe but there is a problem that we never had a penalty kick."

Predictably, opposite number Alan Pardew argued both Simpson's red card incident and Cisse's controversial goal, defending the referee on both occasions.

"That little touch, by that time the Liverpool player is level and he's onside," Pardew said of Cisse's goal, claiming he was onside in the second phase of play. "It's a rule none of us managers like but that's how it is."

On the penalty appeal, he commented: "It hit [Simpson] high on the shoulder, I'd be very surprised if the referee gives that - it's not a hand sticking out, I thought it was fine."

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