Owen Coyle: We have been robbed tonight by the officials

The Scotsman blasted ISL referees after a controversial outing against FC Goa.

Jamshedpur FC's six-game unbeaten run came to an end, as they lost 2-1 to FC Goa courtesy of a late winner from Igor Angulo. The Spaniard scored a brace to take his tally to eight goals in the Indian Super League. A game where Owen Coyle's men started brightly and had the lead for major parts ended on a very wrong note with a game-changing blunder from the linesman.

Thoughts on goal denied

It was late in the game, when Nerijus Valskis played Alex Lima through on goal and the Brazilian's shot struck the bar and went in before bouncing out. However, the goal was not allowed and it became the main reason for controversy. Owen Coyle, who was shattered with the call, called out the officials at the post-match press conference.

"We have been robbed tonight because that's blatant. It is becoming like a children's game because it is becoming embarrassing for Jamshedpur. Now, it has been four game-changing decisions that have happened to us. I am not even talking about the little fouls that we all get wrong, but at times they are just clear decisions.

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“The officials, the referees, the linesmen, what are they even doing? The linesman should not be officiating at this level because ultimately the players and coaches lose their jobs for this. At the level we are playing, that cannot be allowed to happen. I feel cheated tonight."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfbK8kTUo54

Impact on players and way back

It has happened earlier with Jamshedpur FC against Odisha FC, where the opponents have made a comeback against the Men of Steel in the second half. When quizzed how the players are going to react mentally after such a big setback, Coyle added, "You have seen what has happened later in the season, we will pick ourselves up and go again. But, it does not help the players when they are putting everything into the game and being robbed by decisions like that. It was very clear and I will reiterate because that's what has happened tonight. It was a good performance, we hit the bar and then scored a perfectly good goal. So, of course, it is hard to take but we will pick ourselves up and go again."

Nerijus Valskis’ performance

It was a tough day for striker Nerijus Valskis, as he saw his free-kick come off the bar, shots saved and even a perfect assist chalked off. However, Owen Coyle lauded his Lithuanian talisman and assured that he is one of the best all-round forwards in the league.

"I think Valskis is an outstanding player. Even today you can see the free-kick that came off the bar, then a great shot saved at the near post, he is just wonderful to watch. What we have to do is when we get the ball we have to get better service to him. Once we do that he will score goals for fun.

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"He wins his headers, he brings you up the park. Valskis does not have to score to contribute to the team. He is just a wonderful all-around player. He is great in the air, has got great movement and obviously can score goals. It is wonderful to have him at Jamshedpur," the tactician added.

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The journey ahead

The Men of Steel were in a perfect position to break into the top four with a win heading into the Christmas break. However, Owen Coyle feels that his men will come back stronger. He also reiterated the looming situation with refereeing standards in the ISL. "It is the same again, we will pick ourselves up, but the question should probably be for the referee and the linesman.

“They chopped off a perfectly good goal which was clearly over the line. At this level, that should not be allowed to happen. We need top officials to work in the top league and unfortunately, we have been let down game-after-game," he concluded.

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