Materazzi 'too big to argue with', says 'embarrassed' Peter Reid

Mumbai, Nov 24: Admitting that he was indeed "embarrassed" after his heated argument near touchline with Chennaiyin coach Marco Materazzi, Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid said that the World cup winning Italian defender is "too big to argue with".

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Materazzi and Reid were involved in a heated exchange of words after referee ruled out a penalty in favour of Chennaiyin when Mikael Silvester's shot apparently hit Manuel Friedrich's hand.

"It happens. I am embarrassed. He's been a winner as a player, I've also been a winner. Sometimes, it spills over. We had a laugh afterwards. He's too big to argue with! It's unfair to fight that one. We shook hands at the end of the game and wished him good luck," said Reid, who has been a former Manchester City coach.

Materazzi said he has no problems with Reid and the incident took place when Chennai were denied a penalty in the 56th minute for a handball. "It's football. We shook hands at the end. For me, it was the penalty. I spoke to the referee and then he (Reid) spoke to me. I don't have any problem with him. It was a bad decision," the star Italian defender of yesteryears maintained his stand.

On the match, Reid said the next game against Delhi is a must-win for his side. "After the last game against Chennai (where they were thrashed 5-1), we bounced back. There is no use crying about it. We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We just have to get up there, show better spirit. Hopefully, get a few of the boys fit and go to Delhi and try and win the game. We have got to go and win it. It's a big game for us," the former Manchester City manager said at the post-match press conference.

PTI