SPORTS
Sir Alex Ferguson fears dodgy refereeing decision could rob Manchester United of record 19th league title in tomorrow`s showdown with Chelsea
Baku, May 7 (AZERTAC). Ferguson has piled the pressure on World Cup final referee Howard Webb by saying United are haunted by decisions which have gone Chelsea`s way in previous encounters between the clubs.
When asked if he hoped the Old Trafford game would not be marred by a contentious decision, he said: “That`s definitely our big fear. He`s definitely the best referee in the country. We hope it`s our turn for a little bit of luck.”
Ferguson started ramping up the pressure on the officials following Sunday`s defeat at Arsenal, where United were denied a late penalty - 24 hours after Chelsea had beaten Tottenham with two controversial goals.
He said then: “We never seem to get these decisions. They seem to be getting them.”
Ferguson claims key decisions have favored Chelsea in the last three Premier League clashes between the clubs.
In March, he was given a five-game touchline ban after questioning referee Mike Atkinson`s integrity when he failed to send off Chelsea`s David Luiz for a second bookable offence and then awarded a `soft` penalty against Chris Smalling which Frank Lampard converted to clinch a 2-1 win.
In last season`s title decider at Old Trafford Didier Drogba scored Chelsea`s winner when offside, while in the game at Stamford Bridge, United were furious at John Terry`s winner on three counts.
Chelsea was also awarded controversial penalties against United in games at Stamford Bridge in 2005 and 2008.
The so-called “dream team” of Webb and assistants Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann have been put in charge of the Old Trafford clash in the hope of avoiding any further controversy.