Source: Daily_Mail
Shock horror! Sir Alex Ferguson backs referee over Gary Neville red card
Sir Alex Ferguson last night surprised the football world once again when the Manchester United manager conceded that referee Chris Foy was right to send off his captain Gary Neville during the Carling Cup holders' 2-0 win at Barnsley. [LNB]Neville was dismissed with just under half an hour left after he appeared to follow through with his studs in a tackle with Barnsley midfielder Adam Hammill at Oakwell.[LNB] I don't believe it: Gary Neville reacts after being shown the red card[LNB]The United skipper looked aghast as he trudged off but Ferguson - who has this week pleaded guilty to a misconduct charge after criticising referee Alan Wiley - said: 'I think he has followed through and he has caught the boy, not high but just above the ankle.[LNB]'In the present climate the referee was probably correct. We won't appeal.' [LNB]It was United's second dismissal in three days after Nemanja Vidic's red card against Liverpool - and third of the season following Paul Scholes's early exit against Tottenham. [LNB]A steward removes a bottle from the pitch after Manchester United fans repeatedly threw them onto the field[LNB]Despite Neville's sending-off, United won the game comfortably thanks to goals from Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen. [LNB]Last night's game also featured some unpleasant scenes towards the end when a minority of the 6,000 away fans appeared to throw objects - including plastic bottles - at South Yorkshire Police. [LNB]There were also some reports that United supporters had raided a food kiosk during the second half and stolen money from the tills as terrified female staff hid in a back room. [LNB]Barnsley confirmed last night that they had launched an investigation and police are expected to visit the stadium this morning.[LNB] A Barnsley spokesman said: 'The club will launch a full investigation as soon as possible after substantial damage was caused on the concourse of the north stand. We will be looking at CCTV footage before commenting further.'[LNB] Barnsley 0 Manchester United 2: Deadly Michael Owen delivers a telling England reminder GRAHAM POLL: The official line - Forget Fergie, a REAL refereeing crisis is looming Manchester United on red alert as Valencia hint at sale of Spanish stars Villa and SilvaCARLING CUP LIVE: All the action from the fourth round - as it happened MANCHESTER UNITED FC
