Fergie blasts Terry ruling

Boss says a United appeal would have been handled differently

By James Dall   Last updated: 17th September 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United Premier League

Ferguson: Displeased

If it had been a Manchester United player, (Keith) Hackett would not have done this.

Sir Alex Ferguson on John Terry's appeal
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at the decision to overturn the red card Chelsea captain John Terry received last weekend.

The Blues defender was dismissed by referee Mark Halsey for serious foul play in Saturday's 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Terry was set to be banned for three games for the challenge on City striker Jo; however Chelsea chose to appeal the decision.

On Tuesday it emerged that the club had been successful in their appeal, meaning England international Terry will be available for Sunday's clash versus United at Stamford Bridge - a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.

Bemused

Red Devils boss Ferguson has voiced his disappointment at the call, expressing his belief that the verdict might have been influenced by Keith Hackett, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, and not Halsey.

The Scot said: "I understand Hackett told ref Mark Halsey to rescind the card and he wouldn't. So now he is refereeing in League Two this weekend.

"I do not understand how this has happened. If it had been a Manchester United player, Hackett would not have done this.

"This is going to have to happen all the time if a referee is considered to have made a mistake."