Yaya Toure: It's the referee's fault that Manchester City didn't beat Ajax

Nov 8, 2012 10:20:00 AM

The 29-year-old midfielder believes poor officiating during Tuesday's Champions League draw with the Dutch outfit cost the Premier League side a crucial victory

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has blamed referee Peter Rasmussen for his side’s failure to beat Ajax in Tuesday's Champions League group stage clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Sergio Aguero had a goal chalked off for offside whilst Mario Balotelli saw a strong-looking penalty appeal turned down as the Premier League champions came from two goals behind to draw 2-2.

And the Ivorian has expressed his unhappiness with the Danish official's performance following a result which has all but ended City's hopes in the competition.

"The referee decided this game for me, because there were two clear penalties, one in the first half and one in the second with Mario,” Toure told reporters.

“I am sure we were unlucky. We went two down to set pieces [both corners] and after that it was difficult because Ajax are a good team, they play good football."

Toure's team-mate Pablo Zabaleta has also leapt to the defence of manager Roberto Mancini, after the Italian angrily remonstrated with officials at full-time.

"He's the manager, he has to shout at the players. That's normal," said Zabaleta.

"Every manager would do the same. It's not just Roberto that does this.

“Other managers when they see their team drop some points in crucial games in a Champions League game would be the same. But he is very passionate, his character is like this. But he's not the only one.

“The players care, too. Everybody wanted this.”

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