Ferguson-Pardew spat rumbles on
The fallout from Manchester United's Boxing Day clash with Newcastle continued as Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson launched an astonishing tirade at Magpies counterpart Alan Pardew.
Ferguson said Pardew was "the worst" at haranguing referees and accused the Newcastle boss of "forgetting the help" he offered him at difficult stages of his managerial career. The Scot has been the centre of attention since his march on to the Old Trafford pitch to condemn referee Mike Dean for awarding the visitors' controversial second goal in the hosts' 4-3 win.
Ferguson is clearly furious with Pardew, who claimed Dean might have handled the situation in a different way and that Ferguson was lucky not to get sent off. The Scot said: "Alan Pardew has come out and criticised me. Alan Pardew is the worst at haranguing referees. His whole staff, every game."
He added: "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."
Dean confirmed on Thursday he would not be reporting Ferguson, even though the United boss confronted not only the referee, but also the fourth official and assistant referee over their view of Jonny Evans' own goal.
This has led to further allegations that Ferguson benefits from favourable treatment from the Football Association, even though it is only two seasons ago that he was forced to serve a five-match touchline ban following criticism of Martin Atkinson at Chelsea.
Ferguson insists he did nothing wrong, and defended his conduct, admitting he was "an emotional guy".
He 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."
The bitter pay-off line is sure to infuriate Newcastle, while Pardew will doubtless take issue with Ferguson's assessment of the situation.
