• Premier League

Moyes defends Van Persie over red card complaints

ESPN staff
March 8, 2014
Robin van Persie escaped a second yellow card for the challenge on Steven Reid © Getty Images
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David Moyes has hit back at West Brom manager Pepe Mel's complaints that Robin van Persie should have been sent off during the 3-0 victory for Manchester United.

Van Persie escaped a second booking following a foul on Steven Reid, and Mel claims the failure to dismiss the Dutchman proved to be a turning point in the tie, with the score at 1-0 to United.

However, Moyes believes Van Persie did not deserve to collect another yellow card, saying: "I think the tackle [by Robin van Persie on Steven Reid] is a foul but not a second booking. If it is we are all going soft".

After the match, Mel, who is still without a victory since taking charge eight games ago, said on the turning point: "The fact that Robin van Persie did not get a second yellow card for his foul was also a big moment in the match".

West Brom are currently 17th and one point above the relegation zone having played two games more, and Mel felt his side were unfortunate during the game.

"I think we had a lot of bad luck today. We had to make three changes, all because of injury," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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