Mancini: Tiredness takes toll on referees

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini accepts decisions will go against his club - because referees can also get tired.

Mancini feels his team have suffered a series of injustices lately, most recently after conceding a costly penalty in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final exit at Liverpool.

That incident occurred after striker Mario Balotelli was retrospectively banned for four matches for violent conduct for an offence not punished on field by the referee against Tottenham last weekend.

City have also had to deal without captain Vincent Kompany for four matches this month after a controversial sending-off.

Mancini said: "I think playing a lot of games is also difficult for them [referees]. The refs sometimes are tired - to play every two or three days is difficult for the players, and for the referee. The referee is like me, like the players. They can be tired sometimes."

Mancini, however, does not think his team are the victims of any conspiracy, only bad luck. He said: "Yes, yes - in December and January, it is only this way."