Fergie praise for Styles

Red Devils boss pleased with ref response

Last updated: 30th September 2008

Rob Styles referee

Styles: Controversial penalty

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised referee Rob Styles for admitting he got it wrong at the weekend.

The official controversially awarded the Red Devils a penalty against Bolton when Jlloyd Samuel tackled Cristiano Ronaldo.

Replays showed Samuel clearly won the ball, a decision that left Wanderers manager Gary Megson less than amused.

However, after reviewing the footage Styles admitted he was wrong, a decision Ferguson has backed.

Different light

"It's good that Rob's done that. I think it presents him in a different light," said the Scottish tactician.

"It shows character. It presents him that he's big enough to do that. So I think he takes all the credit for that."

However, rather than punishing Styles for his mistake he has been awarded a Premier League game this coming weekend.

Under the self-regulation policy of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body responsible for top referees, officials who make mistakes often miss out on refereeing a Premier League match the following weekend.

That has not happened in this case as referees' chief Keith Hackett has decided to back Styles, and he will be in charge for Tottenham versus Hull on Sunday.

No complacency

Meanwhile, Ferguson has admitted he has learned from past mistakes and will not field a weakened side in United's UEFA Champions League clash against Aalborg this week.

"I don't have any fears about complacency with this side," he continued.

"But a couple of years ago we made a mistake with the team against Copenhagen because we were in a comfortable position and ended up scrapping to qualify.

"This time I will play my strongest team."

Prem 2008/09 Win Outright: Man Utd 7/4