Ukraine coach hits out at refereeing after Euro exit

Donetsk (Ukraine), June 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has lashed out at the standard of refereeing in the 0-1 defeat to England that knocked the Euro 2012 co-hosts out of the competition.

A shot from Marko Devic in the 62nd minute crossed the line, but was not counted, despite the presence of two extra assistant referees behind the goal in a scheme championed by UEFA president Michel Platini.

"There are five referees on the pitch, and the ball is 50 centimetres behind the goal line," he said.

"We were able to equalise, but they didn't give it to us."

Blokhin said that he believed the referee had also missed use of the elbow by England's Andy Carroll and a challenge from behind by John Terry, adding that both players deserved yellow cards.

Ukraine finished third in the group with three points from a 2-1 win over Sweden in their opening game.

Italy await England in the quarterfinals.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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