CHELSEA interim boss Rafael Benitez says he is baffled by the imposition of added time in which Liverpool managed to gain a crucial Anfield equaliser on Sunday.
Referee Kevin Friend and his team of officials scheduled an additional six minutes of play at the end of the two sides' Premier League clash, with the Reds equaliser coming 32 seconds after that period had elapsed.
In all, Mr Friend played just over eight minutes added time – a total which left Benitez clearly angry, and confused.
“I was disappointed with the late goal conceded, especially as I couldn't understand why six minutes and 45 seconds,” he said. “It is a very strange decision.
“Some games you have six substitutions and you only have three minutes, four minutes. This case – six minutes and a throw-in for us. The game was over. But still 45 seconds... that's difficult to explain.”
Asked whether there might be an answer in his late substitutions, Benitez added: “Don't try to find a justification. Sometimes you see when they try to explain this they put substitutions: 30 seconds; sometimes they say 40 seconds; sometimes one minute.
“But every single game you have three, four minutes. Five minutes if it's an incident. Six minutes? Six minutes 45 seconds?
“I am frustrated with the six, but the 45 seconds is an extra frustration.”
Asked if he had spoken to Mr Friend, Benitez said: “No – do you think that would change something?
“The reason is because he decided it was the right time. It is his decision, but still I don't understand it.
“I have enough experience in the Premier League, so I can understand a lot of things. But still I will not understand this.”
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.
Follow me on Twitter .
