Ferguson blames 'typical Germans' for Rafael sending off
Ferguson accused the Bayern players of getting Rafael sent off
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 08, Apr 2010 07:50
By Matt Hallam.
Sir Alex Ferguson accused Bayern Munich's players of deliberately trying to get Rafael sent off as Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League on away goals last night.
The home side stormed into a 3-0 lead in front of an Old Trafford crowd buoyed by the news prior to kick-off that Wayne Rooney would start the game.
However, with just minutes to go before half-time Ivica Olic pulled a goal back for the visitors, before Arjen Robben scored the vital second away goal with a stunning volley 15 minutes from the end.
The turning point of the game came at the start of the second-half though when United were reduced to ten men after defender Rafael was shown a second yellow card for pulling back Franck Ribery.
After the game Ferguson was incensed at the reaction of the Bayern players who surrounded the referee.
"He is a young boy, and inexperienced, but they got him sent off. They all rushed towards the referee. You can't dispute that," he said.
The United manager admitted Robben's goal was worthy of winning the tie, but praised his sides performance.
"The key issues were the goal before half-time and then the boy getting sent off, but it's still taken an exceptional goal to win the tie," said Ferguson.
"I think we've done well. It was a great performance. We were very unlucky."
The result ends a disastrous week for United who have lost top spot in the Premier League and now been knocked out of the Champions League.
The fitness of Wayne Rooney also remains a concern for Ferguson - with the England striker withdrawn after an hour and visibly struggling with his injured ankle.
"I don't think it's serious," the United manager insisted though.
"It's just the tissue. I'm sure he'll be OK for the following week."
Watch Ferguson's post-match interview below: