Alex Ferguson hits back at Alan Pardew over ref claims

Ferguson has been the centre of attention since his march on to the Old Trafford pitch on Boxing Day to condemn referee Mike Dean for awarding Newcastle’s controversial second goal in United’s 4-3 win.

Dean confirmed yesterday that he would not be reporting Ferguson, prompting allegations that Ferguson benefits from favourable treatment from the Football Association.

But the Scot insists he did nothing wrong and slammed Pardew for claiming that Dean will have been “slightly disappointed” that he did not take action against Ferguson at the time.

“Alan Pardew has come out and criticised me,” said Ferguson.

“Alan Pardew is the worst at haranguing referees. His whole staff, every game.

“He was at it the whole game on Wednesday. He shoves the referee and makes a joke of it and has the cheek to criticise me. It is unbelievable. He forgets the help I gave him.”

Ferguson added: “The press have had a field day out of it. They have addressed every possible avenue. The only one they have left out is Barack Obama. He is too busy.

“That is unfortunate. I carry that because I am the manager of the most famous club in the world. I am not like Newcastle, a wee club in the north-east.”

However Pardew’s sentiment was echoed by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who said: “The message it sends out when you look at the pictures is not to behave like that.”