West Ham style slammed by Blackpool's Alex Baptiste (original) (raw)

Alex Baptiste has criticised West Ham's style of football and referee Howard Webb after Blackpool's 2-1 play-off final loss at Wembley on Saturday.

"We were the better side," the defender told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It was embarrassing at times. They just hoof it long and hope for the best.

"It's a foul on me for the second goal, so the ref has done us no favours.

"I suppose everyone got what they wanted. Everyone wanted West Ham to win because they're a team from London."

Ricardo Vaz Te's goal three minutes from time sealed an instant return to the Premier League for the Hammers, in their first season under Sam Allardyce.

Tom Ince had earlier equalised for Blackpool after Carlton Cole opened the scoring.

Media caption,

West Ham 'hoof it long' - Baptiste

Baptiste continued: "Congratulations to them, they won the game, but I know who I would rather play for.

"I wouldn't survive in their team because I'm not tall enough. All of them are 8ft tall."

While facing the prospect of Championship football again next season.

"If we keep the squad together, we'll go up next year," added Baptiste. "You've seen the football that we play. We've just got to believe in ourselves a little bit more.

"We experienced winning it two years ago, external and it's a cruel game sometimes.

"Maybe we didn't deserve it last time, but we sure as hell deserved it this time."

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