Man Utd's Ferguson attacks Arsenal's behaviour
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-18 09:25

Arsenal "got away with murder" following the ugly scenes at the end of their stormy match at Manchester United last season, according to United boss Alex Ferguson.

A week before their Old Trafford re-match Ferguson said the behaviour of Arsene Wenger's team had been worse than that of former United player Eric Cantona who was banned for nine months after his kung-fu style attack on a fan in 1995.

"Arsenal got off scot-free really, they got away with murder," Ferguson was quoted as saying in The Observer on Sunday.

Alex Ferguson (R) watches English midfielder Paul Scholes during a training session. Manchester United's bid to catch up with Arsenal and Chelsea suffered another setback as Sir Alex Ferguson's side were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham. [AFP]

Arsenal's 0-0 draw at United in September 2003 ended in fierce controversy when United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a late penalty and was then taunted and jostled by several Arsenal players.

The Football Association (FA) fined Arsenal 175,000 pounds, banned defenders Lauren and Martin Keown for four and three matches respectively, and gave one-match bans to midfielders Patrick Vieira, who was sent off during the game, and Ray Parlour.

"The disciplinary treatment was ridiculous when you think that Eric Cantona got nine months for attacking a supporter," added Ferguson, whose team trail champions and league leaders Arsenal by 11 points before next Sunday's clash.

"All right, that was a serious offence and no-one would disagree that something had to be done, but United took their own action in suspending him for four months.

"I don't think Arsenal would suspend one of their own players for four months no matter what he had done.

"The FA said what Eric did set a terrible example to young people.

"Given that he did it in a night match that wasn't on television, while United v Arsenal kicked off at lunchtime with probably about 10 million kids watching live on TV, I wonder what was really the worst example.

"What Arsenal players did that day was the worst thing I've seen in this sport. No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts.

"They conveniently forget things, that mob. They seemed to think Patrick Vieira was badly done-by, yet he's the captain of Arsenal and he's jeopardised his team by trying to kick Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"OK he missed, but he still tried. There was no criticism of that, even though he was the one sent off."

Ferguson has described Sunday's game as a "must-win" match for his team, while Arsenal are hoping to extend their record unbeaten league run to a remarkable 50 games.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Chinese riot police head for Haiti mission         Wiping out poverty galvanizes China         2 Chinese shot dead in robbery in S. Africa         Chinese drivers worry of petrol price hikes         NY Times endorses John Kerry for president         Pentagon: Ex-detainees return to terror	Man Utd's Ferguson attacks Arsenal's behaviour       Serie A: Adriano paces Inter Milan       Man City's Sun Jihai out for season       Kings beat Rockets 91-89 in NBA Beijing game       Sun Yingjie retains Beijing marathon title       Yao says national team obligation his duty