Roberto Mancini: Referees are tired

Roberto Mancini believes that referees are likely to make mistakes as they become more weary throughout the season.

The Manchester City manager blasted match official Phil Dowd for giving a controversial penalty against the Premier League leaders during their Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.

"I think playing a lot of games is also difficult for [referees]," said Mancini. "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."

City have a break from action this weekend following their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, but will resume Premier League focus for their match against Everton on Tuesday.