Fergie frustrated as title charge halted

LONDON - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was left to rue his side’s unusual late generosity and a controversial refereeing decision as his side’s Premier League title charge was slowed by a snowy 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Monday, January 21, 2013
Rooney appeals to the linesman after he felt he was fouled in the box by Caulker. Net photo

LONDON - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was left to rue his side’s unusual late generosity and a controversial refereeing decision as his side’s Premier League title charge was slowed by a snowy 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.So often seen celebrating last-gasp goals like a schoolboy, Ferguson watched as Clint Dempsey swept in Tottenham’s equaliser three minutes into stoppage time after Robin van Persie had given United the lead midway through the first half.Ferguson appeared happy enough with a point after testing afternoon in freezing north London, although he offered an icy blast towards the match officials after United had not been awarded a penalty when substitute Wayne Rooney was tripped in the area by Steven Caulker.Demonstrating a photographic memory when it comes to match officials, the 71-year-old picked on assistant referee (Simon Beck) for not awarding United the spot kick."It was a clear penalty kick on Wayne Rooney but in no way was the linesman going to give that,” he told Sky Sports."He gave them everything else. We have not had a good record with this linesman, against Chelsea a few years ago he gave onside to Didier Drogba who was three yards offside, you remember those things.”