Manchester United manager has defended the conduct of his players after seeing seven of them booked the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
”It was a competitive game but I did not think there was one bad tackle in it,” said Ferguson.
”The game is being screened worldwide. Everyone is watching it and something like that happens.
”People are saying what is going on here but it is difficult to say anything about the referee.
”I do not want to get involved.”
With seven players booked, United can expect a call from the FA who automatically act when a team has six players booked during a game.
Ferguson was clearly unhappy with referee, Mike Riley’s performance, as were a number of his senior players.
At one point balloons were blown on to the field, prompting Ferguson’s No 2, Mike Phelan, to stamp on one. “I wish he had burst it under Mike Riley because it might have woken him up,’’ joked Ferguson.
United’s mood was not helped after the game when their team coach was attacked on the short trip to Euston station.
”Yes. There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police,” said a club spokesman.
Riley received the backing of Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who noted the FA’s recent ‘Respect’ initiative aimed at greater co-operation between players and officials.
”I am not surprised,” said Scolari. ”That is what the referee is there for.
”If players do not respect him, it should be yellow and red cards. It doesn’t matter who you are – Liverpool or Manchester United, whoever.”
