United were incensed after Rafael’s sending off, claiming that Chelsea players had pressured the referee into the decision. PHOTO: AFP
United lost 1-0 to their London rivals on Sunday, a result that means Chelsea can effectively secure a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League if they beat Tottenham Hotspur at home tomorrow.
The veteran United manager had no other reaction after the game apart from being angered by Rafael’s late dismissal.
The Brazilian tussled with his countryman Luiz before clearly hacking at his ankles, but the Chelsea man did little to help his cause when he appeared to smile as he lay on the ground while referee Howard Webb brandished the red card.
“He [Rafael] retaliates, but he [David Luiz] quite clearly elbows him twice then rolls about like a dying swan and that convinces the referee,” said Ferguson. “He was smiling. It’s bad. What kind of a professional is that?
“When a player retaliates, he gets punished the most. Luiz rolled about. You see that with these European, foreign and South American players.
“I wouldn’t say it was violent conduct. The referee hasn’t even seen it. I don’t think he could see it at all, but he has gone with the fact that Luiz has rolled about on the floor and I think that has convinced him it was a red card.
“The referee’s decisions went against us, I thought.”
Rodgers targets attacking reinforcements
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels his side need to add ‘one or two’ attacking players in the close season after failing to unlock Everton’s defence in a 0-0 draw with their Merseyside rivals.
Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger all missed good chances for the hosts, who are now almost certain to finish below their neighbours in the Premier League as they trail them by five points with just two games to go.
“We need to find one or two players to help make the difference in games like that,” said Rodgers. “We have had a lot of draws now this season [13] and we need to find a solution for that.
“We were not at our best against Everton, but you have to make sure you’re competitive. We have kept another clean sheet, which is 15 now for the season, but we need to improve against teams who defend and sit back.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2013.
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