Why are we asking you to sign in? Find out more here
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .
Why are we asking you to sign in? Find out more here
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .
Ferguson hits out at officials following late drama at Tottenham
ALEX FERGUSON HAS hit out at the assistant referee after Clint Dempsey’s late equaliser saw Manchester United held to a 1-1 draw at Tottenham.
The Red Devils had led through Robin van Persie’s first-half header, but were pegged back by the American’s stoppage-time strike, meaning United’s lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League was cut to five points this weekend.
Ferguson was furious with the performance of the referee’s assistant, Simon Beck, believing his side should have had a throw-in in the build-up to the goal and for failing to award Wayne Rooney a second-half penalty.
The United boss even recalled how the same assistant had cost United a key game against Chelsea back in 2010.
“We remember him well from his time at the Chelsea game when Didier Drogba was three yards offside and he gave onside. I think he had a shocking game today and I’m disappointed in his performance, I really am.
“I think he has had a bad game and we never got anything from that side of the pitch. We got a bad break.”
Ferguson did, however, pay tribute to Spurs for their endeavour in the second half in steady snow at White Hart Lane.
“We were 1-0 up with a minute to go and looking comfortable at that stage,” Ferguson said.
“Tottenham worked their socks off and you’ve got to give them credit for that and I suppose you can’t deny them their point because they worked ever so hard for it. They just kept pumping the ball into the box and got their rewards for that.
“I think we were getting used to the fact they were hitting long balls into the box and we should have dealt with it better. It’s just one of those things – I’ll need to see it again.
The result cut United’s lead to five points in the title race, although Ferguson did not feel a draw against Spurs was a poor result.
“Everyone will recognise this was a difficult game. We’ve had all our hard games away from home so far so we can be pleased at that part of the season,” he said.
“Teams will drop points here, there’s no doubt about that. Tottenham are a very good team and they might take points against the teams that matter to us. Manchester City are still to come here.”
Some thoughts from this weekend’s Premier League games>
VIDEO: Is this the best goalkeeper celebration you’ve ever seen?>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Alex Ferguson Anger Chelsea Manchester United officials Premier League Tottenham Wayne Rooney