Source: Daily_Mail
Dalglish and Benitez slam United manager Ferguson for abusing referees
Sir Alex Ferguson's belligerent attitude towards referees has been attacked by two of his greatest rivals, Kenny Dalglish and Rafa Benitez - and the most important man in world football, Sepp Blatter.[LNB]On the morning of Manchester United's crucial visit to Anfield to face their fiercest rivals, Liverpool manager Dalglish and former boss Benitez have called for the authorities to act against managers who consistently criticise referees.[LNB] Caught in the middle: Ferguson has been criticised by rivals Benitez (left) and Dalglish (right) [LNB] [LNB]Ferguson's frequent attacks on officials fly in the face of the FA's Respect campaign, which urges managers to support referees. [LNB]And Dalglish and Benitez have called on the FA not to hold back in punishing those who breach the spirit of the campaign.[LNB]Dalglish said: 'I was made aware of the Respect campaign to referees when I came back into management. It's something we've adhered to. Referees make mistakes, it is difficult for them not to. But we make mistakes as well.[LNB]'If we adhere to the campaign though, I just hope we are not the ones to suffer. Sometimes you think the ones who shout loudest get the more beneficial decisions and that would be totally unfair.'[LNB]Former Liverpool manager Benitez said: 'The people who are doing the right things have to have some benefit. And to the people that are not doing this, someone has to say, "Enough is enough".'[LNB]Ferguson, who faces the threat of a three-match touchline ban by the FA for appearing to question the fairness of Martin Atkinson's refereeing in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, has also been told by FIFA president Blatter to show more self-discipline.[LNB]Blatter, in Newport for the annual meeting of football's law-making body, said in reply to a question about Ferguson's attitude towards officials: 'Respect starts with self-discipline. This is what we are asking for everywhere, from youth teams upwards.[LNB]'The higher your position, the higher your responsibility. Those who have more power, should be more responsible towards others.'[LNB] Under siege: Under players surround referee Martin Atkinson after he sent off Nemanja Vidic against Chelsea[LNB]Ferguson is contesting the FA decision and has told friends he will snub all media interviews after what he considers unfair treatment. The boycott extends even to United's own television station, MUTV, whose interview led to the FA charging Sir Alex.[LNB]The United manager already faces an unspecified fine for his refusal to talk to the BBC following allegations against his son, Jason, in a 2004 documentary. If Sir Alex sticks to his new vow of silence, it will provoke outcry at the Premier League because he is contracted to speak to Sky after every United game broadcast by the company.[LNB]His battles with the media and football's authorities are not Ferguson's only headache. With ?35million Andy Carroll poised to make his Liverpool debut against United, Sir Alex has Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand missing in defence and will have to pair Chris Smalling and Wes Brown at centre-back to counter the big striker.[LNB]At least Ferguson was spared one worry when second-placed Arsenal missed the chance to cut the gap on United to just one point when they could only draw 0-0 at home to Sunderland. United now head the table by three points.[LNB] Jamie Carragher exclusive: What the Liverpool defender really thinks of Fergie, Neville and UnitedRafa Benitez exclusive: blame, lies and broken promises at LiverpoolKenny Dalglish: The day I had Sir Alex Ferguson in my pocket! [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Nemanja Vidic, Andy Carroll, Sepp Blatter, Rio Ferdinand, Kenny Dalglish, Rafa Benitez, Wes Brown, Martin Atkinson Places: Liverpool
