Sorensen raps referee
Angry Thomas Sorensen has blasted referee Mark Halsey for costing Villa a goal against Wigan in yesterday's 1-1 draw. Angry Thomas Sorensen has blasted referee Mark Halsey for costing Villa a goal against Wigan in yesterday's 1-1 draw. The Danish keeper was impeded by boyhood Villa fan Matt Jackson as he went for Denny Landzaat's corner, and was powerless to stop Emile Heskey putting Wigan ahead, writes Tim Nash. "I thought it was a clear free-kick. It was difficult for the referee to see, but Jacksonwas there to block me," said Sorensen, who was making his 350th appearance in English football. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The Danish keeper was impeded by boyhood Villa fan Matt Jackson as he went for Denny Landzaat's corner, and was powerless to stop Emile Heskey putting Wigan ahead, writes Tim Nash.
"I thought it was a clear free-kick. It was difficult for the referee to see, but Jacksonwas there to block me," said Sorensen, who was making his 350th appearance in English football.
"I got in front of him and as I was going for the ball he pushed me in the back and straight into one of our players.
"The referee didn't see it – he's not got eyes everywhere – but it's just sad it cost us.
"It was frustrating, because nine out of 10 times it goes for you and it just seems referees choose the day to not give a foul."
O'Neill revealed Gabby Agbonlahor claimed Villa's goal – despite it coming off a defender and keeper John Filan.
"Gabby is claiming the goal – he got the final touch, so it's his goal," said the boss.
But he had a mixed fitness bulletin after Wilfred Bouma limped off with an ankle injury from the challenge that saw Antonio Valencia sent off. "It's hard to say how Bouma is. He got hit on the ankle and I'll know more later today," he said.
