Chris Iwelumo fumes at referee after Wolves defeat

Mar 3 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Post

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Chris Iwelumo branded referee Carl Boyeson “one of the worst of his entire career” after three controversial penalty decisions went begging in last Saturday’s defeat at home to Plymouth.

Iwelumo, who came off the bench for Kyel Reid in the second half of Wolves’ clash with struggling Pilgrims, felt the referee missed a lunge on Michael Kightly, a foul on Dave Edwards, and a blatant shove on Reid by James Mackie. That left Wolves with nothing to show for all their efforts over 90 minutes.

Scotland international striker Iwelumo said: “I don’t want to say anything against referees, but that was one of the worst of my entire career.

“I thought there were three blatant penalties.

“There was the shove on Kyel, and he could have made the decision with his eyes closed for the one on Dave Edwards because I heard the defender kick his heel. I don’t understand it – he was over-ruling his linesman.

“They’re getting worse, but they’re getting judged as well and I’d like to see what the adjudicator on him says.

“Having said that, that’s probably me grasping at little excuses.”

Wolves indeed could offer little in the way of a defence for their 1-0 defeat, capitulating after just 38 seconds to a Paul Gallagher strike.

Iwelumo said: “Decisions can definitely change games but we gave them a goal and that was nothing to do with the referee. You can’t allow a throw-in to bounce.

“We worked on it all week, and before the match, the gaffer told us to watch out for their long throw.”

Iwelumo assured supporters there would be no repeat at Crystal Palace tonight.

“All I can say to the fans is it will be addressed,” he said.