Zaha accused of putting pressure on referees with protection pleas

Rafael Benitez, the Newcastle United manager, has expressed his surprise that Wilfried Zaha has not been reprimanded by the Football Association following his complaint that he does not receive enough protection from referees.

Zaha, whose Crystal Palace face Newcastle today, said last week that he felt he would have to have his leg broken before an opposition player was shown a red card.

But Benitez feels he is trying to put unfair pressure on match officials. Given Newcastle will be the first team to face Palace since Zaha’s comments, Benitez was keen to make sure his team are not unfairly treated.

However, in doing so the Spaniard may also get into trouble with the FA as he mentioned today’s referee, Andre Marriner, by name as he publicly raised his concerns.

“I am surprised [by Zaha’s behaviour] because normally the FA deal with these comments,” said Benitez, who is yet to win this season.

“I have a lot of confidence with Claim: Wilfried Zaha said he would have to break his leg before a red card was shown Andre Marriner. He has a lot of experience, even if his record with our players is not that great in terms of red cards.

“Zaha is a good player, no doubt about that, but I think the FA have to deal with his comments. I think Andre Marriner will not have this in the back of his head. The way that he [Zaha] plays, normally, he will receive more tackles than other players because he likes to run at players. It won’t make any difference for our players.

“You can maybe get 20 players in any competition talking about the same thing. Players with pace and ability are normally exposed to these things. It’s something we cannot change. You cannot ask for a red card before the game. It is something we cannot control.”

Roy Hodgson, the Palace manager, has supported Zaha in his pursuit of greater protection – but the club have no intention of making an official complaint to help his cause.

“He [Zaha] said what he had to say and he has no reason to apologise for that. We want to move on from there,” said Hodgson.

“Let’s hope that he will survive the coming matches in the way he wants to. Our chances are better with him in the team.

“There’s been no specific contact with the Premier League or Mike Riley and his people at all. I see no reason for that.”