Samuel: I don't know whether Robinho deserved a penalty

Posted Tuesday, October 09, 2012 by Goal.com

The Inter defender has admitted that there was contact with the Brazilian in the Milan derby, but feels that does not necessarily mean a spot kick should have been awarded

Inter defender Walter Samuel has conceded that the referee could have awarded a spot kick against him after a challenge on Robinho in Sunday's 1-0 Derby della Madonnina win over AC Milan, but stressed that not every challenge in the area is necessarily a foul.

The Argentine, who netted the only goal of the game, explained that he only attempted to prevent the Rossoneri attacker from getting a shot on goal, and felt it was up to others to decide whether a penalty should have been given.

"Robinho made a nice run, I felt contact with him but I think there are a lot of challenges in the penalty area, and not all of them are fouls," Samuel told Sky Sport Italia.

"I just tried to prevent him from getting an easy shot away. Perhaps others are better placed to judge and say if it was a foul."

The defender then went on to voice his satisfaction with Inter's victory, but stressed it's too soon to say whether they can challenge for the Scudetto.

"I'm happy, and pleased with where we are in the league as well. We were all up for the derby and we wanted to show we could get a result here tonight.

"We have belief in our own ability and, although we came under pressure, we kept positive and always thought could win the game. We need to continue in this vein.

"The title? It's still too early too say, I don't think any team is thinking about that yet. We'll keep working to win something come the end of the season."

Inter are currently trailing joint leaders Juventus and Napoli by four points.