The Hammers were heading for a crucial win over Premier
League leaders Chelsea yesterday when Matthew Upson slid in to
tackle Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge.
TV replays clearly showed the England centre-half got
the ball first but ref Mike Dean pointed to the spot. It was
the 23rd spot-kick awarded by Dean over the last two seasons - and
his second of the match after he handed the home side one in the
first half.
Former Hammer Frank Lampard scored from the kick -
eventually - but Parker was unhappy that his team were
hard-done-by.
The former Chelsea star, 29, said: "I don't think it
should have been given. It was a harsh penalty. "The ball went
off at an angle but the linesman took it upon himself to give
it.
"It was a massive result, even if we'd have liked to
have taken the three points.
"No one expected us to get even a point here against
Chelsea. Now the Pompey match on Boxing Day is massive."
Dean made Lampard take the penalty THREE times before
he was happy that no other players encroached into the area before
he struck the ball. But cool as a snowman in the cold snap, the
England ace converted every time past Robert Green to force the
draw.
Having missed one at Manchester City two weeks ago, he
admitted to being cagey at having to take it so many times.
Lampard, 31, said: "I didn't need that at all.
Especially after missing one at City a few weeks back. Not three of
them.
"That feeling when it hits the net is nice but when you
are told to take it again you wonder whether something bad is going
to happen.
"I wish he'd told me to re-take the Man City one. I
know Greeny from England, so there were a few mind games with
him.
"You keep wondering if you should go to the same side.
I was just pleased it hit the back of the net. I'd like to see it
again to understand why he made me take it three times."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola agreed with Parker over
the penalty and insisted Upson got his tackle right. Zola, whose
side remain in the bottom three, said: "The penalty was harsh. The
referee got it right in the first place, then the linesman put his
flag up and he changed his mind.
"His first impression had been the right one. I wish
he'd stuck with his original decision. Upson was sure he'd get the
ball - and he got the ball. It was just the wrong decision from the
officials.
"But my players stood their ground. If either team
looked as if it might score after the penalty, it was us.
Considering all our difficulties, we showed our character.
"It was a big performance. At least we have played with
the right attitude. The passion, the courage they put on the pitch
today was remarkable.
"It's a really good starting point and it will affect
everybody from now on."