• Champions League

Mancini slams ref Rasmussen

ESPN staff
November 6, 2012
Roberto Mancini questions the officials © PA Photos
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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has raged at the performance of referee Peter Rasmussen and his officials following the 2-2 draw with Ajax.

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City rallied from two goals down to earn a point courtesy of goals from Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, but it leaves their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread as they prop up Group D with two points.

Mancini felt his side performed with distinction and took issue with the decision to chalk off a late goal from Aguero for offside, while Mario Balotelli felt he should have had a penalty in injury-time.

"The referee and his staff were really poor tonight, I think that we scored three goals and we conceded two stupid goals," he said.

"I told the referee that it was a goal - I didn't see the last situation with Mario for the penalty decision but the players told me that it should have been."

City started the game terribly. Siem de Jong was left unchecked at two first-half corners, the Ajax captain able to head home a brace, forcing Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero to dig deep and score the goals needed to keep City within five points of the qualification spots in Group D.

Asked about his side's chances of Champions League qualification, Mancini said: "It's finished. I always believe in my team but now I think it is very difficult.

"If we win two games, get eight points and go through, we can win the Champions League, it's simple - if our destiny is this then we should win the Champions League."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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