carlyluvsunited
30-03-2008, 09:29 AM
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has put pressure on
referees with his criticism in the past.
"I still believe we should be doing more to protect our creative players from
reckless tackling, but there are some factors that make life very difficult for
referees," said Ferguson, in his programme notes for yesterday's victory over
Aston Villa.
"The habit of surrounding a referee in an attempt to influence a decision, be it in
defence of one of their players or to try and get an opponent punished, has got
out of hand. I see this as a club responsibility because it is very difficult for a
referee to deal with when he is faced by dissent in such big numbers.
"We had a pivotal moment ourselves when our players chased Andy D'Urso
across the pitch (against Middlesbrough in 1999/00). I was incensed and let the
players know it must not happen again and it hasn't.
"While I have questioned the ability of some referees, I have never doubted their
integrity. Yes, I have contributed to putting them under pressure, but that's for
the protection of my players. Graham Poll wrote critically of me recently but he
can be assured that while there will continue to be criticisms of officials' decision
-making, I don't think there is a manager in the game who would question their
integrity. Our game is thankfully free of that kind of corruption."
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referees with his criticism in the past.
"I still believe we should be doing more to protect our creative players from
reckless tackling, but there are some factors that make life very difficult for
referees," said Ferguson, in his programme notes for yesterday's victory over
Aston Villa.
"The habit of surrounding a referee in an attempt to influence a decision, be it in
defence of one of their players or to try and get an opponent punished, has got
out of hand. I see this as a club responsibility because it is very difficult for a
referee to deal with when he is faced by dissent in such big numbers.
"We had a pivotal moment ourselves when our players chased Andy D'Urso
across the pitch (against Middlesbrough in 1999/00). I was incensed and let the
players know it must not happen again and it hasn't.
"While I have questioned the ability of some referees, I have never doubted their
integrity. Yes, I have contributed to putting them under pressure, but that's for
the protection of my players. Graham Poll wrote critically of me recently but he
can be assured that while there will continue to be criticisms of officials' decision
-making, I don't think there is a manager in the game who would question their
integrity. Our game is thankfully free of that kind of corruption."
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discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
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