Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie fumes at decision

04 Dec 2007 - 07:28:24

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Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at goalkeeper Antti Niemi and referee Rob Styles after Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for diving during Monday's 2-0 victory over Fulham.

The Portuguese winger had already scored twice at Old Trafford when he went down in the penalty area after appearing to nick the ball beyond Niemi.

Niemi appeared to gesture to the referee that there had been on contact and Styles produced a yellow card.

However, Ferguson believes that Ronaldo was clipped and has hit out at both the keeper and match official for denying him a hat-trick opportunity.

"There is no question their goalkeeper conned the referee," he fumed.

"His action forced the referee to book Cristiano.

"Why would he want to go down? He was on a hat-trick, he had gone round the keeper and he was brought down. It was a ridiculous decision.

"There is this perceived idea of Cristiano that he is going to dive.

"It is quite unfair because he is nothing like that now. He is more mature and a magnificent footballer.

"He was one-on-one and he could not get out of the way."