Refs' chief 'understands' Marriner's controversial decision

Referees’ chief Mike Riley understands why Andre Marriner awarded a highly contentious penalty to Chelsea against West Brom earlier this month but insisted only Blues midfielder Ramires could say whether he was guilty of tricking the official into giving it.

Ramires went to ground after a coming-together in the box with West Brom’s Steven Reid deep into injury time in the Barclays Premier League game at Stamford Bridge on November 9. Marriner blew for a penalty which Eden Hazard scored to salvage a 2-2 draw for the Londoners.