MANAGERS UNITED OVER OFFICIALS

Post-match reaction to the 3-3 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Last Updated: 05/02/12 at 20:47 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Barclays Premier League. Click here to bet.

Two-goal Wayne Rooney celebrates

Two-goal Wayne Rooney celebrates

Andre Villas-Boas and Sir Alex Ferguson both lambasted the performance of the match officials in Sunday's thrilling 3-3 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Villas-Boas blasted referee Howard Webb for giving Manchester United a second penalty for a dubious foul from Branislav Ivanovic on Danny Welbeck in the box.

United manager Ferguson was thrilled to see his team come back from 3-0 down to steal a valuable point, but he was furious at the performance of linesman Darren Cann, who failed to notice a foul from Gary Cahill on Welbeck after the striker raced through in the first half.

Villas-Boas claims Webb's decisions changed the course of the game as Chelsea were cruising towards a crucial victory before the two penalties were given against them.

"The second penalty was very, very dubious," Villas-Boas said.

"I don't know if Howard Webb had the correct angle to make the decision, maybe the linesman made the decision but it was very unlucky from him to give it.

"I'm not sure if he was compensating from anything in the first half, but it was the wrong decision.

"It was a big disappointment, generally, on the way it happened.

"(It was) a dubious decision that, in the end, shifted the running of the game.

"We expect in top games to have top refs and at the moment it hasn't been happening for us."

It is the second time that Villas-Boas has felt key decisions have gone against his team when they have played United this season.

The Portuguese was furious when two offside goals were allowed to stand in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford - which the Blues lost 3-1.

"In both games against United with top, top refs... you expect it to be perfect in terms of refereeing.

"In these two games, they have had a direct influence on the result."

Ferguson has a history of disagreements with Cann after the linesman gave penalties against his team when they were playing Arsenal and Liverpool.

"They should've had a man sent off in the first half," Ferguson said.

"Danny Welbeck's clear through and he was brought down. Okay, it's outside the box, (but there was) no decision.

"That linesman, who's given a penalty kick against us from 40 yards away last year against Liverpool, this year against Arsenal - and he can't see that?

"I don't blame Howard Webb - he needed help in that situation and he didn't get it.

"That assistant referee, who's all too happy to flag at Old Trafford for penalty kicks, didn't give them."

Chelsea seemed destined for victory when they raced in to a 3-0 lead in a destructive 15-minute spell either side of half-time.

Jonny Evans turned the ball in to his own net to give the Blues the lead before Juan Mata's brilliant volley, and a deflected David Luiz header put the home side firmly in charge.

The Londoners crumbled, however, with Rooney slamming home two penalties - the first one coming after Patrice Evra was upended by Daniel Sturridge - and Javier Hernandez then completed a remarkable comeback six minutes from time.

Ferguson admitted the draw was "two points lost" after leaders Manchester City won last night, but praised his men for having the character to come back from a three-goal deficit.

"You have to admire the courage of our team and their character because it's that character that will definitely give us a fantastic chance in this league," the Scot said.

"It was unbelievable drama - and you couldn't keep your eyes off the game."

Much of the focus of the pre-match build-up had been on the racism row that has engulfed Blues skipper John Terry.

Terry has vowed to clear his name after being charged with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand - brother of United defender Rio - in October last year.

Rio Ferdinand was the subject of chants from the home fans throughout the game and he was glad to have the last laugh.

The centre-back said afterwards on Twitter: "I got booed by the cfc fans today,....well done guys thanks for inspiring me & the lads! That's like fuel to me! £TeamSpirit."

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here has only been 3 players who made me hold my breath in dread when they picked the ball up anywhere near our penalty area...in their prime Scholes and Giggs... and always Drogba. Awesome player who on his day was the best striker in the world in my opinion.

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