• Premier League

Ferguson refuses to discuss Rafael red card

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 16, 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson preferred to praise his defenders than criticise the referee following Manchester United's draw at Tottenham © PA Photos
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to comment on Rafael da Silva's red card following Sunday's 0-0 draw with Tottenham.

Rafael was never far from the referee's radar all afternoon as he played on the edge at White Hart Lane, and it eventually resulted in a second yellow card. The dismissal arrived after the Brazilian inadvertently clipped the legs of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, and Ferguson refused to discuss referee Mike Dean's interpretation.

''I don't need to discuss that, you can see for yourself,'' he said. ''I don't need to discuss the referee.''

Ferguson went on to praise his defenders, adding: ''I think they were particularly good. It could be a really thrilling end to the season. Tottenham are not out of it. It's about winning games and keeping your nerve and today, defensively, we kept our nerve.''

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was far from disheartened, despite the fact his men failed to snatch a winner with the numerical advantage.

''Both teams defended well, especially the two central defenders on their side and [Michael] Dawson and [William] Gallas on ours. They were fantastic, did their jobs and made it difficult.

''Chances were few and far between. I thought we edged the game without creating too many clear-cut chances. They are a Champions League winning team, they've played big games and defended for their lives in Europe. They came here and were difficult to beat.

''When they went to 10 men we couldn't have been more open. We were as open as a barn door going for it.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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