Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has blasted referee Howard Webb for his decisions during extra-time of Sunday's World Cup final. van Persie's Holland were defeated 1-0 by Spain in the 116th minute of the decider when Andres Iniesta scored what appeared to be a controversial goal and it was that decision plus a few others that infuriated the Gunners goalscorer and his teammates.
"What was this man doing?," van Persie said of English Premier League official Webb.
"He made three big errors in extra-time of a World Cup final. Believe me, this really hurts.
"Even after (Johnny) Heitinga's red card I still felt we could be world champions. With penalty kicks we'd at least have a 50 percent chance.
"He whistled four minutes from time, but not for a corner, and later overlooks Iniesta being in an offside position.
"Iniesta should not have been on the pitch because he kicked (Mark) van Bommel. He also should have shown (Carles) Puyol a second yellow card for trying to knock down (Arjen) Robben.
"I don't say it's only down to the referee. We missed a very good chance. But the referee has been decisive.
"Perhaps it was because Spain were wronged in a group match against Switzerland (which Webb refereed)? Let me say nothing."
