Atkinson blew up after United midfielder Darren Fletcher challenged Ashley Cole on the edge of the penalty area, prompting a heated response from the visiting players - who felt Fletcher made contact with the ball. Frank Lampard's delivery was then finished by Terry to give his side all three points in a tight encounter.
"The referee's position to make the decision was absolutely ridiculous, he can't see anything," said a fuming Ferguson afterwards.
"It was a bad decision. You lose faith in refereeing sometimes, that's the way players are talking in there (the United dressing room).
- Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: Match report
- Premier League table
"That goal should never have been allowed. We've dominated the game; we've had great chances to win the match and not taken them - and that's our fault. We had great opportunities to get to the edge of the box and some really good chances in and around the box, but we should be finishing it off.
"We've only ourselves to blame in that respect. But you do need a break - and we never got the break we needed."
The win for Carlo Ancelloti's Chelsea moved them five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and the Chelsea manager was careful to avoid being embroiled in any controversy after the match.
"It is difficult for me to say until I have seen it again, but I do think it was a foul," he said.
"It was significant to send United five points behind us - this is important - and it means we have won a game against one of the most important teams in England. But we must retain our concentration. I hope the players return from the international break in good condition and that we continue as we are.
"We've only played 12 games and we know very well the season is long and we have to maintain our good condition, a good mind and good performances. Today was a little step [towards the title] but it's a long season."
- Football.co.uk staff
Source: DSG
