Fergie hits out at Poga tackle

Possebon taken to hospital following United's cup win

Last updated: 24th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie hits out at Poga tackle

Possebon: Taken to hospital

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Sir Alex Ferguson criticised Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz for his 'absolutely terrible tackle' on Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon.

Pogatetz was sent off during Boro's 3-1 Carling Cup defeat at Old Trafford following a reckless tackle on Possebon.

The Brazilian youngster received a nasty gash, but could also have suffered a more serious injury after requiring oxygen as he was stretchered off.

United manager Ferguson was unhappy with Pogatetz's tackle, but praised his Boro counterpart Gareth Southgate's reaction.

Apologised

"The injury looked really bad and the lad has gone to hospital," said Ferguson.

"The thing that gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong.

"He (Pogatetz) should have just walked off the field. Then you get their bench screaming that it wasn't a sending-off and there is nothing wrong with our player.

"At least Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity. It was an absolutely terrible tackle."

Middlesbrough manager Southgate was unable to defend Pogatetz's challenge, which happened with the score at 1-1.

Southgate said: "The tackle is a bad one. I can't excuse that.

"It was a turning point. I'm disappointed overall, especially with the first half."