Late decisions rile Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson was outraged by Javier Hernandez’s booking against Newcastle on Tuesday after Manchester United were denied a ‘clear’ penalty.

Hernandez appeared to be brought down by Danny Simpson in the area in stoppage time at St James’ Park, but referee Lee Probert refused to award the visitors a spot-kick, instead showing the Mexican a yellow card for diving.

Ferguson feels his side were unlucky to miss out on a penalty, with the clash ending in a goalless draw as the leaders missed the chance to open up a nine-point lead over Arsenal.

But the United manager’s biggest issue was with the punishment handed to Hernandez, which he felt was wholly unnecessary.

Insult

He told Sky Sports HD1: “It’s an insult because he’s booked him.

“The referee had a good game tonight, I thought he had an excellent game, but he let himself down by booking the player.

“If he’s not giving the penalty – fine. But to book him, that’s an insult.”

He added: “(It was a) clear penalty. I watched it myself, there’s definite contact, no doubt about that.”

Newcastle also had a penalty shout in the second half when Anderson felled Peter Lovenkrands in the box, but Ferguson says he did not witness the incident, adding: “I haven’t seen that.”

Despite his concerns with the late decision, Ferguson was full of praise for Newcastle’s performance, particularly in the opening minutes of the clash.

“The first 20 minutes Newcastle played exceptionally well. Full marks to them,” he said.

“We did really well in the second half. Our passing was terrific and we had great possession.

“We just didn’t trouble the goalkeeper, that was the only thing.”

Ferguson was impressed by the response of his players after they were dumped out of the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday by local rivals Manchester City.

“We tried to freshen up the best we could after the game on Saturday because Wembley can be a tiring pitch,” he said.

Energetic

“In fairness we didn’t show any signs of that tonight. The players were really energetic.

“They thrived on the challenge and I think that was good coming at this time of the season.”

Tuesday’s result leaves United only seven points clear of Arsenal, who have a game in hand, but Ferguson admits he is more concerned by how third-placed Chelsea will react, with a run of home games ahead.

“I think you’ve got to look at Chelsea too and how they respond,” he said, with the Red Devils still to face the Gunners and the Blues. “They’ve got three home games in a row now.”