OXFORD United managing director Keith Cox has hit out at controversial referee Mike Reed - even though the club won't be asking the Football Association to replace him for the FA Cup fourth round replay at Chelsea next Wednesday.

Confirming that United would not be asking for Reed to be given the chop or making an officlal complaint over his handling of the game, Cox said: "Referees do make mistakes as they are only human.

"What does concern and disappoint me personally, however, is the reported comments from Mr Reed after the match that he had seen the incident again on television and was 100 per cent sure he had been correct.

"Now, I don't know if he was quoted correctly, but if he was, then it is extremely surprising that he does not agree with 99.9 per cent of the rest of the country, who know it wasn't a penalty." And Cox added: "We have not and will not be making an official complaint or requesting a change of referee for the replay.

"Our view is that it would be counter-productive and that if clubs are allowed to pick referees for matches, then we are all on a slippery slope."

Chelsea's Italian international Roberto Di Matteo has warned that Oxford could provide tough opposition again in the replay - because the Blues are simply not playing well at the moment.

"We escaped at Oxford and still have the chance to go through, but we know we have to play better," he said.

United will have Joey Beauchamp available again after a three-match ban.

Story date: Thursday 28 January

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