Football: No apology from Mancini in card row

WIGAN:

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini refused to apologise after reigniting his red card row with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Mancini found himself at the centre of controversy after waving an imaginary card in the 88th minute of City’s 1-0 Premier League win at Wigan after Maynor Figueroa handled to deny Sergio Aguero a run at goal.

Mancini defended his actions and insisted, “I did it because Rooney did this,” he said. “I’m on the bench. When you’re near to the referee you can have more influence. I’m on the bench and the referee can’t see me.”

City moved three points clear at the top of the standings following Edin Dzeko’s winner.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2012.