'To say Coloccini intended to hurt Suarez is laughable' - Owen backs Argentine after Anfield red card

Nov 4, 2012 9:20:00 PM

The Stoke City striker has blasted referee Anthony Taylor's decision to dismiss the Argentine centre-back in Sunday's 1-1 draw between Newcastle and Liverpool

Stoke City striker Michael Owen believes that the referee was wrong to show Fabricio Coloccini a red card during Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Magpies were the first on the scoresheet when Yohan Cabaye netted on 43 minutes, but the away side were pegged back thanks to a brilliant equaliser from Luis Suarez mid-way through the second-half.

A controversial red card for Coloccini on 84 minutes, however, transformed the finely balanced tie into a backs-to-the-wall job for Alan Pardew's men, and former Tyneside favourite Owen was quick to voice his opinions on the decision.

"Not having that at all. [Coloccini] didn't touch him and to say there was intent is laughable," the 32-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"Let me tell you, he kicks a moving ball a thousand times a day and doesn't miss it once. If he wanted to connect with a standing leg then he wouldn't have missed.

"He pulls out at the last minute and doesn't touch him. Not having that's a red at all."

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I'm happy to report that not only is the Champions League final under way, Bastian Schweinsteiger is a part of it having shaken off that knock he received during the warm-up.

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Right, folks, the teams are in the tunnel and we're just about ready to go. This promises to be an absolute cracker, so fingers crossed it lives up to its billing. It's Borussia Dortmund versus Bayern Munich in the final of the 2013 Champions League and we're just three minutes away from kick-off!

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However, former Dortmund attacker Marcio Amoroso believes the fact that Bayern are being widely tipped to win counts for nothing tonight.

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Let's here from a couple of Brazilians with a keen interest in this game. First, former Bayern midfielder Ze Roberto, who has some interesting things to say on this all-German final.

"The German school has always been one of strength rather than technique. Today, they have found the perfect balance between the two things. That's why they've grown so much in the last few years. This final between two Germans shows the strength of the country's football.

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"It will be a very good final, but I think Bayern has the advantage."

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