March 26 2006

Iain Dowie

IAIN DOWIE slammed referee Alan Wiley for the controversial penalty that derailed Palace's promotion push.

Wiley handed Derby a last-minute spot-kick when he penalised Darren Ward for a foul on Kevin Lisbie just inside the area.

Gabor Kiraly saved Inigo Idiakez's penalty but the Derby midfielder converted the rebound to leave DOWIE fuming.

DOWIE said: "I don't want to talk about the referee but what he did out there has made it impossible.

"He wants to be the centre of attention and he's spoiled a very good game right at the death.

"I didn't think it was a penalty, no way. We've had two at the other end that haven't been given when the goalkeeper clatters into Andrew Johnson and I suspect there was a handball on the line at the start of the second half.

"But I'm not saying any more about it, I don't want to give him the satisfaction of the attention."

Palace had taken the lead through Clinton Morrison but Idiakez equalised and the Eagles' hopes of snatching an automatic promotion place are now fading fast.

DOWIE admitted: "The fact is it leaves us with a mountain to climb but it's not impossible.

"It will be very difficult now but I'm not going to give up and just settle for the play-offs.

"We have a televised game against Watford next week to get back on track and I'm looking forward to it."