• Premier League

Reckless Cole should have been sent off - Fergie

September 18, 2011
Javier Hernandez was grounded by Chelsea's Ashley Cole late in the second half © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson accused Ashley Cole of a reckless tackle on Javier Hernandez during Manchester United's 3-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Hernandez was forced off due to injury in the second half of United's fifth straight win of the season after being on the wrong end of what Ferguson felt was a "shocking tackle" from the England fullback.

It is not known exactly how long the Mexican will be sidelined for, but he was in obvious pain as he hobbled down the tunnel and Ferguson was not impressed.

"It was a shocking tackle," he told MUTV. "The referee booked him, so I don't understand why he hasn't given a penalty.

"Ashley Cole is very reckless at times. He is committed of course but being committed you can sometimes go over the edge a bit. That was an example of that.

"We will have to see what the damage is in the morning but his [Hernández's] leg is very numb and he could be out for a couple of weeks."

Even Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admitted it was not the greatest tackle, but he felt the incident might not have happened if the officials had ruled out goals for Chris Smalling and Nani. Both United players were in offside positions prior to finding the Chelsea net.

"Maybe he wouldn't get sent off if the linesman does his work," Villas-Boas said. "He [Cole] would have been less emotionally drained.

"I work the other way round. You are trying to say the referee did something wrong - I cannot forget the previous two. If it was 0-0 maybe Ashley is a little bit more mentally in control of the situation and doesn't do the red card foul that you mention."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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