|
|
Ferguson Defends Ron's Red Card In Derby
Sir Alex has suggested Cristiano Ronaldo's sending off was unjust - after all, he was only protecting his face.
Dec 1, 2008 6:57:04 AM
There was to be no repeat of last season's double-upset this time around. Manchester United lost both local derbies to Manchester City in their Premier League-Champions League double-winning season - including a game played shortly after the 50th anniversary of the Munich tragedy - but did themselves proud yesterday afternoon at the City of Manchester Stadium.
A single goal won the day, and it was a tap-in from Wayne Rooney. However, in the second half, the Red Devils almost gifted City a way back into the game when Cristiano Ronaldo picked up his second booking in 10 minutes and was sent off with over 20 minutes still left to play.
With the ball flying towards him, the Portuguese international instinctively put his hands up to protect his face as opposed to heading the ball away and was duly sent for an early bath.
As the champions managed to preserve their lead, Ferguson was not too preoccupied with the decision at full time, but nevertheless suggested that the offence should not have resulted in the No. 7's dismissal and that only external factors resulted in such a decision being taken.
"I've watched it again and he's trying to protect the ball hitting his face," explained Sir Alex on MUTV.
"He also thought he heard the whistle.
"It's not as if he's thrown a hand at the ball to deflect it away or punch it towards goal, it simply hit his hands.
"If it had been outside the box, the referee would just have given a free-kick, nothing else. The crowd played their part of course and he got sent off."
-- Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
A single goal won the day, and it was a tap-in from Wayne Rooney. However, in the second half, the Red Devils almost gifted City a way back into the game when Cristiano Ronaldo picked up his second booking in 10 minutes and was sent off with over 20 minutes still left to play.
With the ball flying towards him, the Portuguese international instinctively put his hands up to protect his face as opposed to heading the ball away and was duly sent for an early bath.
As the champions managed to preserve their lead, Ferguson was not too preoccupied with the decision at full time, but nevertheless suggested that the offence should not have resulted in the No. 7's dismissal and that only external factors resulted in such a decision being taken.
"I've watched it again and he's trying to protect the ball hitting his face," explained Sir Alex on MUTV.
"He also thought he heard the whistle.
"It's not as if he's thrown a hand at the ball to deflect it away or punch it towards goal, it simply hit his hands.
"If it had been outside the box, the referee would just have given a free-kick, nothing else. The crowd played their part of course and he got sent off."
-- Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.