But Alan Pardew has suggested that Dean ought to have sent off Ferguson, as he described the pressure that the referee was put under as "tough to take".
Pardew, who said that he did not speak to Ferguson after the game, took the unusual step for a British manager of being critical of his Manchester United counterpart.
The Football Association committee (pictured right) - once again let Manchester United off the hook.
Alan Pardew: "I think Mike Dean might feel slightly disappointed he didn't do something about it.
"I think the pressure that was on him was tough for a referee to take.
"Sometimes when you reflect on a game you think you might have acted differently.
"You do that as a manager and I think he might have done that as a referee.
"But it's an emotional game and apparently they had a cordial discussion. I've had a few of those myself and sometimes I've ended up in the stands as a result of that cordial discussion.
"I think there were a lot of things the FA could look at. But it seems they are looking at none."
The FA takes a dim view of managers questioning the capability and integrity of match officials ... unless it is Manchester United's manager.
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
