FA Cup fourth round: Kit Symons refused to blame Marcus Bettinelli for Fulham's exit after Sunderland defeat
Wednesday 4 February 2015 07:34, UK
Fulham manager Kit Symons was disappointed to exit the FA Cup at home to Sunderland, particularly after having gone in front against their Premier League opposition.
Hugo Rodallega handed the Cottagers the lead before Marcus Bettinelli gifted the visitors a route back into the game with a bizarre own-goal.
Ricardo Alvarez handed the Wearsiders the advantage before Jordi Gomez's penalty sealed qualification for Sunderland in second-half stoppage time.
Despite handing Gus Poyet's side a route back into the game, Symons was quick to jump to the defence of Bettinelli after he fumbled Patrick van Aanholt's deflected cross for the Black Cats' equaliser.
"Goals are generally defining moments in games," he said.
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"It was obviously a mistake, but Marcus has been excellent for us.
"I am certainly not going to point any blame at him. He'll be all right, he is a very strong character and he has been absolutely superb for us this season.
"One mistake like that won't affect him too bad. He is disappointed, obviously, and a bit upset, but these things happen.
"He will dust himself down and get on with it."
