Krstajic blasts Irish tactics

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has been accused of spoiling tactics three matches into his reign.

The charge has been laid by Serbia and Montenegro’s towering defender Mldaden Krstajic after a bad-tempered friendly in midweek.

The Werder Bremen star, who was booked in the 1-1 draw following a dust-up with James Quinn, was incensed with Northern Ireland’s approach.

He was also angry at the performance of Welsh referee Ceri Richards at Windsor Park and his assistants.

Krstajic said: “We were playing against a national team that doesn’t know what real football is. I received numerous hits.

“I really don’t know who was worse, the Northern Ireland players or the referees (match officials) from Wales.

“None of them know what the football is. I’ve really never played a match like this one and I hope I won’t again.

“The result is not important. It was most important for us not to pick up any injuries in Belfast.”

Sanchez was delighted that his team “got in among Serbia” and closed the opposition down in the second half.

He made no apologies for his approach immediately after the game.

“I thought having a physical presence was part of football,” said the former Wycombe boss.