MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Postgame press conferences with New York Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe are always an entertaining affair, with the Swedish-born head coach frequently interjecting into his comments “how you say in English…” Well, Backe has quickly learned a popular American phrase: “Put your money where your mouth is.”
MLS announced on Monday afternoon that Backe will be fined $2,500 for comments made following Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to New England at Gillette Stadium.
The game featured two red-card ejections in a span of 20 minutes that downed the Red Bulls to nine players. The second red, issued to Roy Miller, is particularly the one that drew Backe’s ire.
Just 10 games into his MLS coaching career, Backe is learning the ways of the league.
“I would say it’s an absolute disgrace. It’s ridiculous, it’s a joke,’’ said Backe. “When the referee decides games like this, probably the MLS should do an investigation because it’s not even close to hitting [Boggs]. You can see the level of the referee, the level went [up and down]. It’s a joke. If this had been in Italy there would be an investigation if the referee was bought.’’
Backe wasn’t the only one aghast at the refereeing. Midfielder Joel Lindpere, who had a good view of the second red card, thought that the call was questionable and also doesn’t feel that his team are getting their share of the calls.
He issued the referee a “compliment” for his officiating, but also vented his frustration at how bad calls can affect a game.
“The players aren’t allowed to go out there and play football in situations like that,” a diplomatic Lindpere told MLSsoccer.com.
Backe is expected to be on the bench Wednesday night when the Red Bulls look to end their four-game slide against Houston at Red Bull Arena.
