Blackburn 0-0 Everton

Feb 3 2008

DAVIE MOYES refused to lay into ref Alan Wiley but insisted the whistler cost Everton a vital win by controversially chalking off their late goal.

Toffees hitman Andy Johnson netted five minutes from time but the strike was ruled offside - leaving boss Moyes fuming.

He said: "There were at least two players playing Andy on, maybe three, maybe even four including the keeper.

"To be fair it was just a poor decision. I said after the Merseyside derby we're not criticising refs but I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt us."

Blackburn gaffer Mark Hughes sympathised with his counterpart and called for the offside rule to be overhauled.

Hughes said: "Does anyone understand the rule these days?

"Was it first phase or second phase and was he active?

"It's too much of a grey area and makes it really difficult for officials and referees.

"It's also frustrating for managers but I would argue it was correct because Andy was offside in the first phase.

"However, David would say he wasn't in the second phase so where do we go with it?"

Around 6,000 Everton fans made the trip to Ewood Park but they were almost silenced in the second minute when Roque Santa Cruz's header hit the side netting.

However, the Toffees fought back as Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Leon Osman began to stamp their authority.

Rovers' David Dunn picked up a yellow in 25 minutes for a deliberate foul on Arteta.

Both teams emerged from the break fired up and Manuel Fernandes was denied by keeper Brad Friedel.

Moyes' men should have snatched victory late on when sub James Vaughan set up Johnson but his cool finish was ruled out.