Sheffield United Football Club News

• Nickname:The blades
• Founded:1889
• Manager:Danny Wilson

• Ground:Bramall Lane
• Capacity:30,945

Bennett blasted by Warnock

25 Feb 2007 - 12:32:30

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Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock could be in hot water with the Football Association after branding Steve Bennett a "manufactured referee" after Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Bennett awarded the Reds two first-half penalties which were successfully converted by Robbie Fowler.

But the decision to award Liverpool the first spot-kick when Rob Kozluk was penalised for man-handling Steven Gerrard in the box was a particular bone of contention with the Blades chief.

On the opening day of the season, Liverpool came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw after Gerrard was awarded another controversial penalty at Bramall Lane.

"When you see the replay and you see Gerrard's eyes you will know he thinks he has won a penalty," said Warnock.

"You cannot blame him as 50 per cent of referees would have given that and 50 per cent would not. But Steve Bennett is a by-the-book referee, black and white.

"Some referees would see that Steven Gerrard used everything he had to get the penalty.

"Steve Bennett just rules by the laws of the game, he says that is consistency. He needs to understand the game more.

"It's the England captain looking at Steve Bennett and saying 'you've got to give a penalty here.'

"If Steve Bennett knew a bit more about the game and not the rules inside out, he'd be a really top referee. He's a manufactured referee.

"The penalty knocked the stuffing out of us. I'm Steven Gerrard's number one fan, he's a fantastic player and I don't blame him for what he did."