Mutu The Con Man?

Last updated : 11 November 2003 By Rich Godden
The two people involved in the incident (apart from Mutu) have both spoken out against the Romanian.

Newcastle 'keeper Shay Given said "Mutu conned the linesman and ref. He was never going to get the ball and was looking for the penalty. I actually thought the ref had given the decision our way because Mutu went in quite heavily on me.”

Andy O'Brien, who reveived his marching orders for the challenge on Mutu, added "It was never a penalty. Mutu over-ran the ball and lunged at Shay. We should have had a free-kick.”

And Alan Shearer also gave his opinion of the incident: "Mutu showed his experience. He could have gone down earlier but he waited until he was in our penalty area.

“The referee’s assistant gave the penalty but how he could see from there is beyond me.”

Sour grapes anyone??