LONDON — Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to face disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) after appearing to question the integrity of Martin Atkinson, the referee in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat away to Chelsea.
In a direct challenge to Atkinson’s impartiality, the United manager claimed that he had wanted a “fair referee,” but was left disappointed by proceedings at Stamford Bridge.
Ferguson was furious at Atkinson’s failure to send off David Luiz for a second-half foul on Wayne Rooney and condemned his decision to award a “soft” penalty to Chelsea, which was converted by Frank Lampard as Carlo Ancelotti’s side came from behind to condemn the visiting side to its second Premier League defeat of the season.
The FA seems sure to investigate Ferguson’s comments, particularly after being widely criticized for failing to take retrospective action against Wayne Rooney for his elbow on James McCarthy during United’s 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the weekend, The (London) Times reported.
“It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee,” Ferguson said. “You want a strong referee anyway and we didn’t get that. I don’t know why he’s got the game. I must tell you, I must say that when I saw who was refereeing it I feared the worst.
“It’s hard to take. It was decisions again. How was Luiz not sent off? It was incredible … these decisions change the game, and he’s going to be refereeing every week.”
Ferguson claimed United had been the victim of injustice at the hands of referees in its past three matches against Chelsea, and even suggested that if the champion continues to be favored, it could complete a remarkable comeback to retain its title, despite trailing United by 12 points.
In reality, Arsenal is best placed to take advantage of United’s slip-up, being four points behind with a match in hand.
United’s misery was compounded by the late dismissal of defender Nemanja Vidic, which means he will miss Sunday’s Premier League match away to Liverpool because of suspension.
Ferguson also confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will miss the trip to Anfield with a calf injury, leaving him with a patched-up center-back pairing of Chris Smalling and Wes Brown.