Grant blasts English refs

Last updated : 15 May 2008 By Paul Lagan
Avram Grant has opened his shirt buttons and come out fighting ahead of the Champions League Final clash on Wednesday against Manchester United.
The firey former Israel manager has focussed on the most difficult target in football - the ref.
Yep, Grant had a great opportunity to land a blow on Manchester United by stoking up the flames, but he went for the softest target of all, the poor ref - in particular English refs.
Grant said: "In England there are some very good referees - but there are some, a few of them, you can influence."
So, it's possible to influence refs, is it, Avram?

He went on: "I think that in the game we played against United at Old Trafford the referee changed the result for sure. We know that. The red card for Mikel was not a red card.

"There should have been a red card for Scholes on Sunday. Then there was the penalty but it's finished. I congratulate United.

"I do not think the world is against Chelsea, or English football, but in this case there were some coincidences for Manchester United."

Right, heavy stuff there. I'm sure the refs' association and possible the ref in question will have wonderful grounds to sue Grant for slander.

Grant clearly is feeling very confident that he will be Chelsea's manager next season.
This type of attack is something not seen from him and is almost Mourinho-like.
I'm sure that will not go down too well with Roman Abramovich, but at least it is making Grant more interesting.