• FA Cup

Fergie defends Roo reaction to Kompany tackle

ESPN staff
January 9, 2012
Vincent Kompany was sent off for his two-footed tackle on Nani © Getty Images
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney's reaction to Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany's red-card challenge on Sunday was entirely natural.

Kompany was sent off in the 11th minute of the FA Cup third-round tie - which United won 3-2 - having jumped into a two-footed tackle on Nani. City boss Roberto Mancini subsequently accused Rooney, who was close to the incident and made clear his displeasure, of "telling him [referee Chris Foy] his decision".

But Ferguson felt that Rooney's response to the challenge was no different to how any other player would have conducted themselves.

"It was a reckless challenge and Nani is a very lucky boy that he didn't get an injury," Ferguson said. "I don't think what Wayne did was unacceptable - it was a natural reaction to a bad challenge.

"I can understand where Roberto is coming from, because that's what happens with players today, they all appeal for penalties and players to get sent off - it's an unfortunate part of the game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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