Chelsea boss Scolari hits out at Terry dismissal

Dec 23, 2008, 23:13 GMT

Sunderland, England - Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari broke his media silence on Tuesday to condemn referee Phil Dowd's decision to send off John Terry during Monday's 0-0 draw at Everton.

Terry was dismissed for serious foul play by referee Phil Dowd after a reckless lunge on Leon Osman.

Scolari refused to attend the usual post-match press-conference, something for which he explained his reasoning on Chelsea TV.

'If I go to say something (straight after the game) maybe I say something wrong and I need more time to look at everything,' he said.

'I have to look at the game again if something happened in the game. I need to be sure about this or that.

'I said no (to the press) at that time because maybe I'd have problems in the future - in that time I am not calm.

'If I go then I answer some questions and I'm angry.'

He still professed bewilderment on Tuesday, even though neither of Terry's feet were rooted, bringing him within the Football Association's definition of serious foul play.

'Maybe I look at the game and I change my mind, but I don't change my mind about yesterday,' Scolari said.

'I looked at the game again and I don't change.

'It's the same as I thought yesterday. For me it's not normal. I don't very well understand the decision.

'But he's the referee. After (the red card) John he goes to his friend (Osman) to apologise, he goes off like normal. He's a very good captain, he accepts the decision from the referee.'

The draw leaves Chelsea second in the table going into Christmas, a point behind leaders Liverpool.