We Wuz Robbed!

Kenny Miller tries to point out the rules of the game to Referee Marriner

At only 0-1 the Rams were never out of the game and a turning point may have been a handball in the Chelsea penalty area by a Chelsea defender. The whole North stand at Pride Park rose in unison with the cry of "Hand-ball" but despite supporting claims from Rams players referee Andre Marriner refused to give the spot kick.

The second piece of incompetent officialdom during yesterday's game was an offside decision against Kenny Miller before he slotted home a well taken goal. TV footage clearly shows the Scottish International striker was well on-side when the pass was played.

Finally the coup de gras of incompetence by referee Marriner had to be the tackle from behind on Rams midfielder Giles Barnes. The Rams player was heading toward the centre circle with the ball at his feet, a tackle from a Chelsea from behind taking both Barnes's legs away (an illegal challenge even if the ball is won) left Barnes in a painful heap and to add insult to what turned out to be an injury for Barnes, Chelsea scramble a lucky second goal after the ball rebounds off the Derby post.

AvRAM Grant had the final say on the incompetence of the referee when he amazingly claimed that it was Chelsea who had the raw deal from the official. Stating that "I was told before I took over that Chelsea are an easy target for red cards". He refers to a blatant elbow to the head of Kenny Miller by Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, an offence that even Mr Marriner could not ignore and promptly issued the red it deserved.