Sanchez in dock over ref rebukes

Lawrie Sanchez can expect a letter from the Football Association asking him to explain his tirade against referee Steve Bennett.

The Fulham manager was incensed after a Diomansy Kamara effort in extra-time of the Carling Cup tie against Bolton on Wednesday was ruled out for offside.

Bolton substitute Stelios went on the seal victory with just three minutes remaining. TV replays showed Bennett, on the advice of his assistant, had got the decision wrong.

Sanchez said: "It's another goal a referee hasn't given us. It's ridiculous. These refs are costing us week in, week out. They're not up to the job and something has to be done about it."

Given the vitriol of his attack, Sanchez is likely to be hit with a misconduct charge. But it seems the former Northern Ireland coach has some support for his case.

A recent directive to Premier League officials stated: "Gone are the days when we would prefer a 'dodgy offside' to a 'dodgy goal'."

Referees' coach Paul Rejer told officials in a presentation on the offside rule: "Everyone would like to see more goals. FIFA are promoting attacking play with the emphasis being on the benefit of the doubt to the attack."

Bennett denied Fulham an obvious penalty at Aston Villa this season while Lee Mason chalked off a last-minute David Healy equaliser against Middlesbrough, saying it had not crossed the line.