Fulham 3 – Liverpool FC 1
Swiss defender Philipp Degen and captain Jamie Carragher were sent off for second-half fouls as Liverpool's Premier League hopes faltered, falling to their fifth league loss of the season at Craven Cottage.
But Benitez believed referee Lee Mason got both decisions wrong.
"For me, the first one with Degen was a yellow card, and with the second one it was clear that Carra was kicking the ball and not Zamora. I watched the replay and it is clear," said Rafael Benitez.
"We will try to appeal against both red cards because for me it's very clear that Carra was kicking the ball and the other one Degen was not kicking the player.
Liverpool dominated the opening play, but went a goal behind when Zamora was allowed to walk into the box and tap in a cross from Duff. Benayoun smashed a shot against the bar, before Torres pounced on a ball that fell between defenders to rocket past Schwarzer.
Nevland scored Fulham’s second, and then Degen was shown a straight red for a challenge that only warranted a yellow. Carragher was then sent off to compound the misery after he appeared to bring down Zamora, but the replay shows his right foot hitting the ball.
Clint Dempsey got the 3rd as he took advantage of the extra space left by the 2 sendings off. Liverpool dominated the first half, and the score line didn’t accurately depict the massive difference in possession. Rafa Benitez was disappointed after the game, saying: Always it’s hard to take any defeat but especially this one because we were in control of the game.
“I was really surprised because the first half was a one sided game. We made one mistake when we conceded a goal but after Fernando scored we were in control.
“I don’t know the percentage of possession we had but it was unbelievable to concede in the first half after controlling everything. They were more offensive in the second half and we made a massive mistake when we conceded the second goal. We then had two players sent-off.”
However, Rafa Benitez has come out fighting following this latest setback, with the Spaniard insisting he does not have to win trophies at Anfield.
The Premier League is what the Anfield giants crave, but Benitez has suggested a successful season would be a second-placed finish.
"I don't agree with people when they say you have to win trophies," said Benitez.
"You have to be close and create a group of players that can fight for trophies.
"We got 86 points in the Premier League last year and some people say it wasn't a good season.
"But to finish second (to champions Manchester United) and close the gap between the top team and us to four points was a massive achievement.
"Trophies mean a lot to everyone but to see the team progress means you can guarantee you will be there in the future and you can fight for trophies."
Benitez brought the Champions League glory to Liverpool in 2005, but they have not won a title since lifting the FA Cup in 2006.
The Spaniard signed a new deal earlier in the year and he has once again reiterated his stance that he has a long-term vision for the club.
"We signed an extension (to my contract) for five years because we want to be together for a long time," he added in the News of the World.
Trophies are not important?
Feel free to express your views on the Forum.
Swiss defender Philipp Degen and captain Jamie Carragher were sent off for second-half fouls as Liverpool's Premier League hopes faltered, falling to their fifth league loss of the season at Craven Cottage.
But Benitez believed referee Lee Mason got both decisions wrong.
"For me, the first one with Degen was a yellow card, and with the second one it was clear that Carra was kicking the ball and not Zamora. I watched the replay and it is clear," said Rafael Benitez.
"We will try to appeal against both red cards because for me it's very clear that Carra was kicking the ball and the other one Degen was not kicking the player.
Liverpool dominated the opening play, but went a goal behind when Zamora was allowed to walk into the box and tap in a cross from Duff. Benayoun smashed a shot against the bar, before Torres pounced on a ball that fell between defenders to rocket past Schwarzer.
Nevland scored Fulham’s second, and then Degen was shown a straight red for a challenge that only warranted a yellow. Carragher was then sent off to compound the misery after he appeared to bring down Zamora, but the replay shows his right foot hitting the ball.
Clint Dempsey got the 3rd as he took advantage of the extra space left by the 2 sendings off. Liverpool dominated the first half, and the score line didn’t accurately depict the massive difference in possession. Rafa Benitez was disappointed after the game, saying: Always it’s hard to take any defeat but especially this one because we were in control of the game.
“I was really surprised because the first half was a one sided game. We made one mistake when we conceded a goal but after Fernando scored we were in control.
“I don’t know the percentage of possession we had but it was unbelievable to concede in the first half after controlling everything. They were more offensive in the second half and we made a massive mistake when we conceded the second goal. We then had two players sent-off.”
However, Rafa Benitez has come out fighting following this latest setback, with the Spaniard insisting he does not have to win trophies at Anfield.
The Premier League is what the Anfield giants crave, but Benitez has suggested a successful season would be a second-placed finish.
"I don't agree with people when they say you have to win trophies," said Benitez.
"You have to be close and create a group of players that can fight for trophies.
"We got 86 points in the Premier League last year and some people say it wasn't a good season.
"But to finish second (to champions Manchester United) and close the gap between the top team and us to four points was a massive achievement.
"Trophies mean a lot to everyone but to see the team progress means you can guarantee you will be there in the future and you can fight for trophies."
Benitez brought the Champions League glory to Liverpool in 2005, but they have not won a title since lifting the FA Cup in 2006.
The Spaniard signed a new deal earlier in the year and he has once again reiterated his stance that he has a long-term vision for the club.
"We signed an extension (to my contract) for five years because we want to be together for a long time," he added in the News of the World.
Trophies are not important?
Feel free to express your views on the Forum.
