FA to probe Ball stamp
07 May 2007 - 11:17:15
The Football Association has confirmed it will investigate Manchester City defender Michael Ball's stamp on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo during Saturday's derby at Eastlands.
Ball appeared to stamp on the chest of the Portugal winger when he was on the ground in an ugly second-minute incident which occurred behind the back of referee Rob Styles.
The clash infuriated United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who remonstrated angrily with the fourth official on the touchline.
The FA will also look into an apparent headbutt by Fulham captain Michael Brown on Liverpool's Xabi Alonso during another of Saturday's Premiership matches.
"We will ask the officials what action they would have taken had they seen the incidents and any charges will be based on that," confirmed an FA spokesman.
After Saturday's Manchester derby which United won 1-0 courtesy of a Ronaldo penalty, Ferguson fumed: "It was a real bad challenge.
"Rob Styles has got in a position with his refereeing where he lets things go and it is very difficult to handle that if things get out of control."
