AN ANGRY Glenn Roeder last night accused Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips of diving to get Robbie Elliott dismissed in the dying seconds of Newcastle's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Stamford Bridge.
While John Terry's fourth-minute winner was ultimately the decisive factor in yet another cup disappointment for the Magpies, Roeder's wrath was directed at Wright-Phillips following the stoppage-time controversy that soured his night even further.
Elliott, who had already been booked for an over-zealous challenge in the first half, was outpaced by the Chelsea midfielder as Newcastle committed men forward in pursuit of an equaliser.
But, while the full-back pulled out of a challenge on his opponent, Wright-Phillips still crashed to the floor despite minimal pressure being applied on him.
The resultant red card was fiercely contested by Alan Shearer - the Newcastle skipper was booked for dissent as he argued his case and continued to castigate the Chelsea midfielder after the final whistle - and roundly condemned by Roeder.
"Wright-Phillips has knocked the ball past Robbie Elliott," said the United boss. "Then Robbie has turned his body sideways to let him go by. He's an experienced defender and he knows what to do when he's been booked.
"But, all of a sudden, his opponent is on the floor. He's made no attempt to run past him at all and I'm very disappointed with the young man (Wright-Phillips).
"I don't think his dad (Ian Wright) would have been very impressed with him either, but that's another story."
Roeder was quick to contrast Wright-Phillips' theatrics with Kieron Dyer's response to a thumping challenge on him in the closing stages of the game.
Dyer was quick to get to his feet and shake his opponent by the hand - actions that his manager felt should have been replicated by Chelsea's England international.
"Kieron was scissored in the corner, but he simply got up and got on with it," said Roeder. "He wasn't looking for a foul or a booking for a Chelsea player.
"In contrast, we have the sending off incident. The two situations are at the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to fair play and not fair play."
Newcastle's caretaker manager had previously spoken of his desire to see Alan Shearer finish his playing career on a high but, while last night's result robbed the United skipper of one final chance of silverware, it may not prove terminal to his prospects of winning something with his beloved Magpies.
It will no longer be as a player, of course, but Roeder feels Shearer could yet return to lift the FA Cup as a manager.
"Can Alan win it as a manager? Maybe one day," he said. "He's capable of doing it when he comes back and manages and, when that happens, I am sure it will be with this club."
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