Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 12 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Ferguson hits back in Benitez row
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Rafael Benitez's recent comments as "ridiculous".

Liverpool boss Ferguson said of impunity is to criticize the referees and even suggested United are "a little scared" of the Fa Barclaycard Premiership leaders.

"There was a lot of venom in what he said," Ferguson said. "I do not understand where it came.

"When he reflects on what he must understand what he says is ridiculous. It is clearly disturbed by something."

Ferguson Benitez refused to discuss his comments in too much detail, preferring to bask in his side the 3-0 win over Chelsea.

After the impressive victory Sunday at Old Trafford, the third United closed the gap on Liverpool to five points, two games in hand.

Benitez has launched his attack on Ferguson during a four-minute monologue at a press conference on Friday and also said he believed the Scot was nervous because Liverpool are at the top of the league.

"We had a meeting about the campaign and I said forget it because Mr. Ferguson is" killing "the referees," said the Spaniard.

He added that Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished for verbally attacking referees and also argued that Ferguson and United's support staff of intimidating match officials.

An unrepentant Benitez has launched a new attack on follow Ferguson Liverpool 0-0 draw at Stoke on Saturday, suggesting the skipper May be "a little scared" of the Merseyside club to the title challenge.

"In 20 years, nobody can say these things, but perhaps they think the same thing as me," said Benitez. "I do not regret it."

Its shares, apparently caused by the claim that Ferguson NERVE May affect Liverpool's title challenge has caused great debate, while the Football Association Benitez is set to review the committee before deciding to take action against him.

But the Liverpool manager says he has received plenty of support.

"I can guarantee that many people have sent many messages, not for me but for our staff and a large number of people in Liverpool," he revealed.

"He is a person to say what everyone wants to say, but I did not think that people think, I was thinking about my club and Mr. Ferguson's comments on Liverpool this season. You can understand why. "

When asked if he thought Ferguson was nervous, Benitez replied: "Obviously. Perhaps it is a little scary.

"He talks too much Liverpool. It is to think about his own team, the problems they have and what they do."
by bbcnews.