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Redknapp hits out at official after Braga defeat

24/10/2008

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp hit out at the performance of Slovenian referee Darko Ceferin following his side's 3-0 defeat to SC Braga.

The Premier League side were soundly beaten by their Portuguese counterparts in the opening group match of their Uefa Cup campaign.

And while he admitted his side did not deserve anything more than a defeat, Redknapp was also quick to point to the failings of the official.

"Right from the start I thought the referee had no idea whatsoever. It was frightening," Redknapp said.

"They were diving all over the place and nearly every decision seemed to be a booking.

"[Braga] played well and deserved to win the game but some of the things they were doing were not right.

"I got frustrated with the whole game."

Redknapp was also critical of Uefa's decision to appoint an official from one of the continent's 'lesser' nations where the domestic league is not up to the same standard as the English or Portuguese leagues.

"A few weeks ago we had a great Turkish referee in Guimaraes near here and it was a good game," said the pompey boss, referring to his side's extra-time victory in the first round of the competition.

"This time I thought it was very poor.

"Where is the referee from? Slovenia? I'm sure they have a big league there and plenty of top matches."