Fergie’s Absolute Bollocks!

Ferguson says referee was swayed by crowd in Liverpool defeat

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has questioned the performance of referee Andre Marriner, following Liverpool's stunning victory over arch rivals Manchester United today. The comments come a few weeks after the United boss questioned the fitness of referee Alan Wiley, after their 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the United boss also cast doubt over the experience of the referee.

"I think they got a wee bit caught up in some of the atmosphere - the wounded animal aspect of it. The fans were fanatical and every decision they put the referee under pressure," said the Scot, nicknamed Taggart by Reds fans.

"For instance on Vidic, clearly it is a foul. But then he wins the second ball and gets booked for that. The crowd got him booked"

"The atmosphere is hard to handle for the referee. Whether he had enough experience, I don't know. He will certainly learn from it."

Ferguson added: "The most controversial decision was Carragher bringing down Michael Owen. He was clear through.

"The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature and if Carragher goes off, he is their best player and their captain. It would have been a different game. They would have been under pressure.

"The referee was only four or five yards from it he cannot use a covering defender as an excuse. Michael was clean through. With Michael's pace he is going to get away from him."

Ferguson said regarding Carragher's challenge on Carrick: "He has gone right over the top of the ball. If it is outside of the box it is a free-kick and maybe a yellow card.

"But it was inside the box and the referee was only six yards from it. It was another bad decision."

Incredibly Ferguson, however, did concede Liverpool were worthy winners. "Liverpool were the better team and I am not taking anything away from them at all," he said in the Guardian.

"They deserved to win the game as it was a disappointing performance from us. We were not good enough."

Fergie's Absolute Bollocks!

FERGIE WRITES OFF REDS TITLE CHALLENGE!

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has written off Liverpool’s chances next season before a ball has been kicked. It is the third attack Ferguson has launched against the Reds in three weeks. Last month Fergie claimed the Reds treated Michael Owen “unfairly” by putting the then 18-year-old Owen under unnecessary “strain and intensity” by playing him in high profile matches at too early an age. Only a couple of weeks ago Ferguson astonishingly stated that Liverpool’s explanation of Rafa’s now famous hand gestures, in April was “absolute bollocks.” To mark his latest outburst against the Reds, ‘LFC Alert’ will begin a regular article entitled “Fergie’s Absolute Bollocks!”

Ferguson, who took time out from the British Par 3 Championship yesterday to talk to the Times about Liverpool FC said:

"Liverpool have just had probably their best season for 20 years, finished up with 86 points and still finished four adrift," he said. "It will be hard for them to match that, let alone improve. Other teams will read Liverpool better. The thrust of their team is all about Gerrard and Torres."

"It has to be Chelsea as the main threat. Ancelotti will change how they play.”

The United manager also took a swipe at Liverpool’s infamous victory against Ancelotti’s Milan in Istanbul, claiming the Reds were undeserving of the victory. He said:

"They will play the Milan way. It brought him two European Cups - it should have been three, because they should never have lost to Liverpool. So why should he change?"