Ferguson criticises officials again
Ferguson labelled Darren Fletcher's sending off as 'ridiculous'
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Saturday, 09, Jan 2010 09:43
By Matt Hallam.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has risked the wrath of the FA by criticising the performance of the officials in his side's 1-1 draw with Birmingham.
United dominated the first half at St Andrews but went behind to Cameron Jerome's strike before half-time.
Scott Dann's own goal levelled the scores in the second half when he deflected Patrice Evra's cross past Joe Hart, despite the appeals of the Birmingham players who believed Wayne Rooney was offside.
Darren Fletcher was then sent off for a second bookable offence late in the game, leaving ten men to hold on for the draw.
Ferguson criticised referee Mark Clattenburg after the game, claiming Fletcher's sending off was 'ridiculous'.
The United manager was banned for four games, two of them suspended, and fined £20,000 for questioning the fitness of Alan Wiley after United's draw with Sunderland in October.
The FA also warned him regarding his future conduct, however, Ferguson said: "I've been watching Mark Clattenburg this season.
"He did the Arsenal-Tottenham game - you had to have someone hit with an axe before he'd book anyone in that game, and he sends a player off here.
"I've not seen a softer sending off for a long time. It's absolutely ridiculous, really.
"There were some wonderful and weird decisions out there. The linesman gives offside for our goal - it's an own goal, and he gives offside! Anyway, we carry on."
Despite missing out on the chance to go top of the Premier League, Ferguson was satisfied with a point against Birmingham - who are now unbeaten in 12.
"We played absolutely brilliantly in the first half and to lose a goal right on half-time was a sickener," he said.
"Birmingham are in real good form, they work so hard and make it difficult for you so we've got to be satisfied with a point, particularly as we've ended with ten men."