carlyluvsunited
05-11-2007, 05:28 AM
FA Act Over Sir Alex Ferguson's Verbal Attack
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.
"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."
Arsenal's celebrations on the final whistle suggested that few matches during an
unbeaten sequence which now stretches to 25 games have given them greater
pleasure. "Everyone could see that we are a team who fight until the last
second," said Cesc Fabregas, who scored his 11th goal of the season. "We don't
give up and we are very strong physically. We can run until the last second of the
game. With other teams, maybe they can't follow it until the end. Our opponents
are always strong but we always feel there will be one point where they can't
stay with you and that is when we can score."
One slight question-mark hung over goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who was
partially to blame for Manchester United's second goal. "He rushed out to block
the shot, I feel he was unhappy with his decision-making. He left the goal and
didn't get the ball, he will feel he made a mistake," said manager Arsene Wenger.
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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.
"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."
Arsenal's celebrations on the final whistle suggested that few matches during an
unbeaten sequence which now stretches to 25 games have given them greater
pleasure. "Everyone could see that we are a team who fight until the last
second," said Cesc Fabregas, who scored his 11th goal of the season. "We don't
give up and we are very strong physically. We can run until the last second of the
game. With other teams, maybe they can't follow it until the end. Our opponents
are always strong but we always feel there will be one point where they can't
stay with you and that is when we can score."
One slight question-mark hung over goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who was
partially to blame for Manchester United's second goal. "He rushed out to block
the shot, I feel he was unhappy with his decision-making. He left the goal and
didn't get the ball, he will feel he made a mistake," said manager Arsene Wenger.
Click here to join manutdtalk.com and read all breaking news on all things
United !!!
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