FA act over Sir Alex Ferguson's verbal attack - 4 Nov 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson is facing the prospect of disciplinary action after it emerged last night that the FA are poised to ask him to explain his claim that referee Howard Webb "favoured Arsenal" during parts of Saturday's 2-2 draw.
The FA take any comments which can be deemed to question the impartiality of a referee extremely seriously and it is understood they will write to Ferguson seeking clarification of his remarks. A decision over whether to charge the Manchester United manager will be taken after considering his response.
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"I think Howard Webb has a great chance to be the top referee but today was a big game for him and at times he favoured Arsenal," said Ferguson. "Their second goal came from him not giving a free-kick for a foul on Louis Saha."
The FA are believed to be surprised by Ferguson's complaint, particularly as it was felt that Webb had controlled the game well and got the major decisions right. That was particularly evident over Arsenal's second equaliser, which was awarded after assistant referee Darren Cann confirmed the ball had crossed the line.
Ferguson was also unhappy at the level of abuse he suffered from Arsenal fans and criticised the club's security. "It is very difficult for the referee," he said. "There is a lack of security. It is absolutely disgraceful the abuse you and your staff take. All sorts of things are being shouted and screamed at you and there is an absolute danger here."
One supporter was ejected on Saturday, but Arsenal defended their security arrangements. "Stadium security is of the highest importance and we feel there is ample stewarding around the dugout area," said a spokesman. "However, the club does recognise that some exchanges which take place can be aggressive. There is also CCTV, which our stadium management crew review in detail after games, and if necessary the club will take further action."
Ferguson said that Wenger's team had been reduced to "slashing the ball in the box" while Owen Hargreaves felt that Manchester United had scored the better goals. "Both of our goals were beautiful places of play, but their goals were a bit more scrappy and straight in front of the goal," said Hargreaves. "I don't think they created a clear-cut chance in the first half.
"Arsenal keep the ball and had a lot of possession, but in the first half they never got into a position where they threatened the goal, besides the header from [William] Gallas which was a set-piece. They had plenty of possession but were never threatening." |
發表於 2007-11-5 06:19 PM
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