Redknapp surprised by Fergie fury

United boss gave no indication he was upset

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 11th March 2008

Manchester United v Portsmouth Harry Redknapp Ferguson

Redknapp: Fergie was calm

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Harry Redknapp has revealed that he was unaware of Sir Alex Ferguson's referee rant on Saturday until later that evening.

The Portsmouth boss led his charges to a shock 1-0 win at Old Trafford in a highly contentious FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend, but admits that he was surprised to hear that his opposite number had vented his anger at the match officials after the game.

United's manager was furious at referee Martin Atkinson for a supposed lack of protection for Red Devils winger Cristiano Ronaldo and has subsequently fallen foul of FA chiefs who have now requested that he explain the reasons behind his outburst.

Redknapp though insists that a post-match meeting between the pair gave him no indication that Ferguson was so upset by the afternoon's events.

"I went in Alex's office after the game and he was as good as gold," Pompey's boss told The News.

"We had a quick glass of wine together and he was fine, not a problem.

"He certainly didn't say anything to me about the referee or about Ronaldo's treatment. I only knew what he'd said when I saw it on the TV on the coach."

Response

Redknapp was also quick to defend his side against the accusations that they had used strong-arm tactics against the Portuguese international.

"I didn't think there was a bad challenge in the game, certainly not on our part," he said.

"We didn't make one bad challenge.

"I have seen Ronaldo get kicked by other teams but we're not a team who goes out to kick anybody. It was two shoulder charges, that was all.

"And sometimes you cannot help a shoulder charge because he's so clever.

"He sends you one way and he goes the other, but I didn't think there were any bad tackles on him."