NEWCASTLE boss Glenn Roeder refused to be drawn into another Jose Mourinho touchline controversy after seeing his side miss out on the Carling Cup semi-finals.

The 51-year-old insisted he did not see the Portuguese brandishing an imaginary yellow card after Nicky Butt's foul on Arjen Robben which led to sub Didier Drogba's decisive 78th-minute strike in the 1-0 defeat.

Roeder and his opposite number, who had earlier issued an apology to Everton striker Andrew Johnson, were seen exchanging views seconds later, although the Magpies manager was adamant it was all good-natured.

He said: "We exchanged a few pleasantries - and they were pleasantries.

"I do not see why everyone has to know what was said every time two managers have a chat on the touchline. They were pleasantries."

Drogba, who scored the only goal a week earlier as Newcastle went down by the same scoreline in the Premiership at Stamford Bridge, repeated the feat just five minutes after being introduced as a replacement for Andriy Shevchenko.

His dipping, curling shot after Michael Ballack had returned a short free-kick evaded Shay Given's despairing dive, although Roeder later revealed Nolberto Solano had failed to persuade ref Chris Foy to move the ball back to the less promising position in which the foul had been committed.

Southend boss Steve Tilson refused to blame the officials following the quarter-final defeat to Tottenham - despite Jermain Defoe's extra-time winner seeming to be offside.

Defoe slid home in the 115th minute at White Hart Lane after the bottom side in the Championship had battled their way to extra-time.

However, Tilson said: "Looking at the screen, the goal's offside, but that's life, we have to get ready for Saturday.

"It was a fantastic performance ... it's just devastating we didn't get to penalties."