Tag Archives: linesman

Sir Alex Ferguson barged by linesman v Chelsea

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More trouble for Fergie with officials… this time the linesman crashes in to him!

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

18:08 GMT, 10 March 2013

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UPDATED:

19:49 GMT, 10 March 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson's relationship with officials has been strained this week, after Nani was harshly sent off in the Champions League against Real Madrid and his side crashed out.

And now they're physically turning on him too – the Manchester United boss was minding his own business on the touchline in the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea when the linesman barged in to him.

But instead of exploding in fury,
Ferguson saw the funny side and cracked a smile afterwards while rubbing
his arm where he had been hit.

Watch out: The linesman barges past Sir Alex on the sideline

Watch out: The linesman barges past Sir Alex on the sideline

Barge: The linesman knocks Sir Alex<br />

Barge: The linesman knocks Sir Alex

ITV pundit and former United player Roy
Keane also found the whole thing amusing, making a joke in the studio
referencing his outspoken views over the Nani red card.

On Wednesday, Keane fought against the tide of people claiming Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir was wrong to dismiss the Portugal star for a 'dangerous' challenge.

And he joked that the linesman could have been dismissed for 'dangerous play' after his skirmish with Fergie on Sunday night.

Gareth Bale has banana thrown at him during Tottenham v Arsenal

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Bale strikes back after Arsenal fan throws banana at him in north London derby

By
Rik Sharma

PUBLISHED:

17:09 GMT, 3 March 2013

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UPDATED:

17:09 GMT, 3 March 2013

Gareth Bale had a banana thrown at him by an Arsenal fan as he went to take a corner in Sunday's north London derby.

The linesman removed it from the pitch and no further action was taken after the incident.

Bale got his own back soon after, being
played in by Gylfi Sigurdsson and prodding the ball past Wojciech
Szczesny to open the scoring for Spurs against their arch-rivals at White Hate Lane.

Incident: The linesman holds the banana thrown at Gareth Bale as he went to take the corner

Incident: The linesman holds the banana thrown at Gareth Bale as he went to take the corner

When bananas are thrown on to football pitches they are usually in incidents with a racial connotation.

Inter Milan fans recently racially abused AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli by bringing inflatable bananas to the San Siro for their recent derby.

Alex Ferguson denies FA charge over rant at Tottenham linesman

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Fergie DENIES charge over blast at linesman who turned down Rooney penalty claim at Spurs

By
Chris Wheeler

PUBLISHED:

17:13 GMT, 1 February 2013

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UPDATED:

17:56 GMT, 1 February 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson has today decided to contest an FA charge of misconduct.

It relates to comments the Manchester United manager made following the draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane last month.

It is alleged that Ferguson breached FA Rule E3 in that he implied that the match official was motivated by bias.

Fuming: Ferguson was furious with Beck for missing Caulker's trip on Rooney

Fuming: Ferguson was furious with Beck for missing Caulker's trip on Rooney

Fuming: Ferguson was furious with Beck for missing Caulker's trip on Rooney

Hot water: The United boss has been summoned before the FA

Hot water: The United boss has been summoned before the FA

His case is now set to be heard
before an independent commission. If found guilty, he is expected to be
fined but could feasibly face a touchline ban.

The United boss has decided not to request a personal hearing but the club will submit a file arguing his case.

Ferguson’s comments were aimed at
referee’s assistant Simon Beck after he refused to flag for a penalty
when Wayne Rooney went down under a challenge from Steven Caulker.

By claiming that United ‘were never
going to get a decision’ from Beck and ‘he gave them everything else’,
the FA believe that Ferguson – who also brought up a previous
controversy involving the same official when United played Chelsea in
2010 – questioned his integrity.

He said: ‘The stand-side linesman
never gave us a thing all day,’ said Ferguson. ‘I think he had a
shocking game today. I'm disappointed in his performance, I really am.

Late twist: Ferguson was even more unhappy after Clint Dempsey (left) scored Tottenham's added-time leveller

Late twist: Ferguson was even more unhappy after Clint Dempsey (left) scored Tottenham's added-time leveller

‘We’ve got that history with him. He
never gave offside with (Didier) Drogba at Old Trafford when he was
three yards offside. Everyone remembers that. I certainly do.’

The decision not to award what
Ferguson described as ‘a clear penalty’ proved costly for United when
Clint Dempsey struck in injury-time to cancel out Robin van Persie’s
first-half header.

Yesterday, United defender Rio
Ferdinand backed his manager saying: ‘It was a 100 per cent penalty. I
cannot believe he didn’t give it. The linesman didn’t really help us on
the near touchline at all in the second half especially.

‘He maybe wasn’t going to put his flag up but I’m disappointed that the referee didn’t give what was a stonewall penalty.’

Ferguson has been banned from the
touchline on five occasions in the past, most recently in 2011 when he
was found guilty of questioning the integrity of referee Martin
Atkinson.

Roberto Mancini faces no punishment from the FA for criticism of referee

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Mancini escapes FA rap for claiming referee 'ate too much at Christmas'

By
Liv Lee

PUBLISHED:

14:42 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

16:27 GMT, 10 January 2013

Roberto Mancini will not be disciplined by the FA for his criticism of referee Kevin Friend on Boxing Day.

The Manchester City manager said that Friend may
have ‘ate too much’ at Christmas after their 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and while the FA have decided not to punish Mancini, they have
reminded him of his responsibilities.

Had they taken action he
would have been facing a touchline ban or a fine.

Mancini will not face any punishment from the FA for his criticism of referee Kevin Friend

Off the hook: Mancini will not face any punishment from the FA for his criticism of referee Kevin Friend

Mancini was angry because he felt City deserved a free-kick following Craig Gardner’s challenge on Pablo Zabaleta in the build-up to Adam Johnson's winner.

He blamed both the referee and the linesman, saying: ‘The referee may have had too much to eat for Christmas. The linesman, too. It wasn’t a great game from them.

'That’s the problem we have sometimes in football. I don’t see how the referee can’t see the foul in the build-up. I don’t know how.’

The Italian was asked to offer observations about his comments by last Friday and after he sent the FA an explanation of his words the matter was dropped.

Sir Alex Ferguson referee watch: Manchester United manager loses his temper briefly

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Fergie ref watch: After his haranguing of Dean and co, how did Sir Alex behave on the touchline for clash against West Brom

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UPDATED:

01:24 GMT, 30 December 2012

It seemed like Sir Alex Ferguson was on his way to giving another set of officials the full treatment during Manchester United's 2-0 victory over West Brom at Old Trafford.

But although he did start shouting at assistant referee Andy Garrett over the award of a throw-in, he soon made up with him.

These pictures show the Red Devils boss giving Garrett an earful before later making him laugh, along with fourth official Phil Dowd.

Sir Alex Ferguson shouts at assistant referee Andy Garrett

Just joshing: Ferguson laughed with him afterwards

Making up: Sir Alex Ferguson shouts at assistant referee Andy Garrett… but then joked with him afterwards

Time for a chat: Garratt giggled while Ferguson chatted to fourth official Phil Dowd

Time for a chat: Garratt giggled while Ferguson chatted to fourth official Phil Dowd

The officials would have been wary
after the United manager's incredible rant at Mike Dean and his
assistants during the side's 4-3 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

He strode on to the pitch to harangue
Dean about Newcastle’s controversial second goal and then berated both a
linesman and the fourth official.

But because the referee did not
include the incidents in his match report he is believed to view
Ferguson’s comments as within the boundaries of reasonable
communication.

Dean did not report him because he did not feel there was abusive language or any questioning of his integrity.

Caught between a rock and a hard place: Dowd was sandwiched between Fergie and the United mascot

Caught between a rock and a hard place: Dowd was sandwiched between Fergie and the United mascot

Manager watch

Wenger v Pardew

Pardew was banned for shoving an assistant referee this term but kept his hands to himself yesterday. Wenger stayed seated.

Hughton v Mancini

While Hughton was a silent witness to defeat, Mancini was furious with Nasri's red card, though he was sanguine at the time.

Jol v Laudrup

Laudrup remained in control amid doubts over Fulham's goal. Jol knew he and his players were to blame for defeat.

Lambert v Martinez

Lambert kept cool despite another thrashing. His rival appeared annoyed by refereeing decisions but reined himself in.

McDermott v Allardyce

A feisty game but neither tangled with the officials. McDermott stood in his technical area while Big Sam stayed seated.

Pulis v Adkins

Both were animated but well behaved throuighout. Pulis was asked to retreat from the touchline in the second half, and did.

Martin O'Neill v AVB

Little to move Andre VIllas-Boas, who sat through most of the game. Martin O'Neill prowled his technical area as usual.

Sir Alex Ferguson hits back at criticism of his treatment of officials by slamming Newcastle manager Alan Pardew

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Pardew's the worst! Ferguson hits back at criticism for haranguing officials with attack on manager of 'wee club' Newcastle

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UPDATED:

11:33 GMT, 28 December 2012

TODAY'S POLL

Do you agree with Fergie – is Pardew worst with refs

Yes, Pardew's the worst

No, Fergie's No 1

VOTE

Alan Pardew

POLL RESULTS

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Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a withering attack on Alan Pardew and Newcastle after the Manchester United manager was criticised for confronting referee Mike Dean during the Boxing Day clash at Old Trafford.

Ferguson was furious that Dean overruled his assistant and allowed Jonny Evans’ own-goal to stand because Papiss Cisse, standing in an offside position, was not interfering with play.

Pardew criticised Ferguson afterwards but the United boss hit back this morning, accusing his opposite number of hypocrisy after he shoved a linesman in a match with Tottenham in August and branding Newcastle ‘a wee club in the north-east’.

Angry protests: Sir Alex Ferguson remonstrates with referee Mike Dean after Jonny Evans put through his own net with Newcastle's Papiss Cisse apparently in an offside position during the Boxing Day match at Old Trafford

Angry protests: Sir Alex Ferguson remonstrates with referee Mike Dean after Jonny Evans put through his own net with Newcastle's Papiss Cisse apparently in an offside position during the Boxing Day match at Old Trafford

The worst: Ferguson claimed his Newcastle United counterpart Alan Pardew is the worst for haranguing officials

The worst: Ferguson claimed his Newcastle United counterpart Alan Pardew is the worst for haranguing officials

Point to make: Newcastle assistant manager John Carver gets in a barb at assistant Jake Collin as fourth official Neil Swarbrick restrains him

Point to make: Newcastle assistant manager John Carver gets in a barb at assistant Jake Collin as fourth official Neil Swarbrick restrains him

Ferguson said: ‘Alan Pardew has come
out and criticised me. Alan Pardew is the worst for haranguing referees.
His whole staff, every game. He was at it the whole game on Wednesday.

‘He shoved a linesman and makes a joke
of it, and then has the cheek to criticise me. Unbelievable. He forgets
the help I gave him by the way,

‘The press have had a good field day out of it. They’ve addressed every avenue, the only one left is Barack Obama.

‘It’s because I’m the manager of the
most famous club in the world. I’m not like Newcastle, a wee club in the
north east, but that’s life.’

Harangued: Ferguson also protested with assistant referee Jake Collin during the Boxing Day encounter

Harangued: Ferguson also protested with assistant referee Jake Collin during the Boxing Day encounter

Complaint: Ferguson has words with Mike Dean after a Jonny Evans own goal was allowed to stand despite Newcastle's Papiss Cisse standing in an offside position

Complaint: Ferguson has words with Mike Dean after a Jonny Evans own goal was allowed to stand despite Newcastle's Papiss Cisse standing in an offside position

Ferguson defended his protestations to
Dean and praised the referee for his handling of the incident in
United’s 4-3 win. The referee did not include it in his report so
Ferguson will not face any action from the FA.

‘There was no ranting and raving from
me,’ he added. ‘I was demonstrative, but I’m always demonstrative.
Everyone knows that, I’m an emotional guy. That isn’t to say I was
abusive to the referee, I wasn’t.

‘Some managers shove linesmen on the
pitch and make a joke. I’m not making a joke of this, it was serious
decision and I think it should have been disallowed.

Surrounded: Manchester United players Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra confront Mike Dean

Surrounded: Manchester United players Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra confront Mike Dean

‘He was walking towards the tunnel and
I shouted him over. He came over towards me and I came over towards
him. I wasn’t on the pitch for more than three or four yards and then we
walked together.

‘I thought the player was interfering
with play, Mike didn’t think it was. He handled it well because he’s a
mature, experienced referee.’

When managers collide…

Today's spat between Ferguson and Pardew is, of course, not the first time managers have been at loggerheads. It's not the first time the bosses of Manchester United and Newcastle have come to verbal blows either. Who can forget Kevin Keegan losing it live on air as Ferguson's mind games took their toll during the 1995-1996 title run-in…

And 20 years before that, there was no love lost between Brian Clough and Don Revie. Clough took over from Revie as manager of Leeds United in 1974 but lasted just seven weeks in the job. Never one to go quietly, he went head-to-head with his predecessor live on TV just after his dismissal.

Arsenal"s Arsene Wenger adamant Sir Alex Ferguson should"ve been punished for Mike Dean confrontation during Manchester United"s 4-3…

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Why is everyone scared of Fergie Wenger adamant Ferguson should have been punished for Dean confrontation over Evans own-goal

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UPDATED:

11:41 GMT, 28 December 2012

Arsene Wenger believes Sir Alex Ferguson should have been punished for remonstrating with officials during Manchester United's 4-3 win over Newcastle.

Referee Mike Dean decided not to report Ferguson and the United boss escaped the FA’s wrath despite harassing Dean, the linesman and the fourth official about Jonny Evans's controversial own-goal on Boxing Day.

When asked if the Scotsman should have received some form of punishment, Wenger said: 'If he didn't behave like he should have done, then yes.

'He will be the first to say that. We sometimes go overboard on the touchline and when you do that, you have to be punished.

'Whether it's me or Fergie or anyone else in the world, the rules are the rules. It is not rules for one person and rules for another. It's the same for everybody.'

Poor decision: Ferguson was unhappy with the officials after Evans's controversial own-goal

Poor decision: Ferguson was unhappy with the officials after Evans's controversial own-goal

Poor decision: Ferguson was unhappy with the officials after Evans's controversial own-goal

He added: 'We love the Premier League. It is watched all lover the world so we want it to be respected by fans for its behaviour.

'Should
you behave like that – no. I did not always behave as I should and you
can call that a bad example, yes. So when you go overboard, you have to
be punished.

'The message it sends out when you look at the pictures is just not to behave like that.'

Wenger was also unconvinced that any
official should be afraid of Sir Alex, regardless of whether they're
playing at Old Trafford or not.

'Why should anyone be scared of
anybody You have the rules. You observe the rules, or not the rules.
Why should anybody be scared of Ferguson, I don't understand that

'There are rules and the referees act on that. They are professional people, they are paid for that. It's as simple as that.

'On the day they made a mistake. It does not mean they are not honest but they made a mistake.'

The Arsenal manager was sent to the
stands by Dean at Old Trafford in 2009 after kicking a bottle when his
side were denied a goal that would’ve secured a point for the Gunners.

Off you go: Dean sent Wenger to the stands at Old Trafford in 2009

Off you go: Dean sent Wenger to the stands at Old Trafford in 2009

Off you go: Dean sent Wenger to the stands at Old Trafford in 2009

After
the match on Boxing Day, Ferguson told BBC: ‘I thought it was a bad
decision, he (Cisse) was in an offside position first of all and then he
grabbed Jonny Evans’s arm and if that is not interference I don’t know
what is.’

Opposing manager
Alan Pardew called for Ferguson to be punished after his team lost to a
last-gasp winner from Javier Hernandez .

Pardew said: ‘I think Mike Dean might feel slightly disappointed he didn't do something about it. I think the pressure that was on him was tough for a referee to take.

‘Sometimes when you reflect on a game you think you might have acted differently. You do that as a manager and I think he might have done that as a referee.

‘But it's an emotional game and apparently they had a cordial discussion. I've had a few of those myself and sometimes I've ended up in the stands as a result of that cordial discussion. I think there were a lot of things the FA could look at. But it seems they are looking at none.’

Sir Alex Ferguson to face no action from FA after Mike Dean row

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In the clear: Fergie escapes FA charge despite his persistent rant at officials in Boxing Day thriller with Newcastle

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UPDATED:

13:33 GMT, 27 December 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has escaped any punishment from the FA for his conduct towards officials during his team’s win over Newcastle yesterday.

However action over Roberto Mancini and Harry Redknapp is under consideration after they were highly critical of refereeing performances following their defeats.

The Manchester United manager confronted referee Mike Dean at half time, then expressed his anger at fourth official Neil Swarbrick, before arguing with assistant Jake Collin after the visitor’s second goal was allowed to stand despite initially being ruled out for offside.

Fuming: Sir Alex Ferguson has been cleared by the FA after remonstrating with officials

Fuming: Sir Alex Ferguson has been cleared by the FA after remonstrating with officials

Fuming: Sir Alex Ferguson has been cleared by the FA after remonstrating with officials

But Dean did not include any mention
of the incidents in his match report and as such, English football’s
governing body consider the matter closed.

Sportsmail understands that while
Ferguson appeared extremely heated once Jonny Evans' own goal had been
given – with Papiss Cisse stood in an offside position – he did not
abuse or use insulting language towards the officials. In fact, Dean and
Ferguson held a ‘reasonable and rational’ conversation about the goal
and the game’s laws, even if the United boss disagreed with its
interpretation.

Barrage: Ferguson complained to assistant referee Jake Collin after a controversial Jonny Evans own goal

Barrage: Ferguson complained to assistant referee Jake Collin after a controversial Jonny Evans own goal

Thriller: United went on to take the game against Newcastle at the death

Thriller: United went on to take the game against Newcastle at the death

Looming: Ferguson glares at the linesman after the decision

Looming: Ferguson glares at the linesman after the decision

Looming: Ferguson glares at the linesman after the decision

THOSE THE FA DID PUNISH…

Liverpool midfielder Suso was fined 10,000 earlier this month for sending a homophobic tweet to team-mate Jose Enrique.

Suso replied to a picture posted on Twitter by Enrique showing the Reds defender getting his teeth whitened. The 19-year-old Spaniard tweeted: ‘What f*** is he doing This guy is gay… he does everything except play football.’

After Suso was slapped with a fine, Enrique jumped to his defence and said: 'Is amazing how fa can fine my friend @suso30fernandez for a banter thing. Was just a joke!!!'

Chelsea captain John Terry was found guilty by the FA of making racist comments to QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

Despite being cleared of a criminal charge after last season's incident, Terry was banned for four games and fined 220,000.

Terry's team-mate Ashley Cole received a whopping 90,000 fine back in October for a profane outburst on Twitter.

He labelled the FA a 'bunch of t***s'
after an independent regulatory commission investigating the Terry
racial abuse case had cast doubt over Cole's evidence.

Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez served an eight-match ban last season after being adjudged to have repeatedly racially abused Patrice Evra by the FA.

Dean did not send Ferguson to the stands during the game, an indication that nothing against the rules had taken place.

Ferguson has avoided punishment just days after the FA opted to take no action against Swansea's Ashley Williams for hammering the ball at Robin van Persie's head as he lay on the ground.

The United manager had said that Van Persie was 'lucky to be alive' after being struck in the back of the head from point-blank range. Although Ferguson claimed Williams hit Van Persie deliberately, the centre back downplayed the incident, claiming he was trying to clear the ball.

However, Manchester City boss Mancini
could yet be handed a ban for his comments aimed at referee Kevin
Friend. The Italian was angered by a challenge on Pablo Zabaleta in the
build-up to Sunderland’s winning goal went unpunished.

Mancini said after the 1-0 defeat at
the Stadium of Light: ‘The referee, he ate too much for Christmas. I do
not know how he could miss this. He was not in good form.’

FA rules do not allow managers to
question the integrity of officials and Mancini’s suggestion that Friend
over-indulged falls into this category. Ironically, Ferguson was banned
for two-games after branding Alan Wiley ‘unfit’ following a game in
2010.

Redknapp could also be in the dock
after his admonishment of referee Chris Foy and assistant Harry Lennard.
Robert Green felt he was impeded for West Bromwich’s match-winning goal
at Loftus Road and Lennard missed a blatant handball in the box by Liam
Ridgewell in injury time.

Redknapp said of the assistant: ‘Maybe he should go to Specsavers.’ He added: ‘I thought they were awful decisions.’

Smouldering: Ferguson stood behind Collins after half-time

Smouldering: Ferguson stood behind Collins after half-time

Happy: Ferguson held his arms aloft after watching United come from behind three times against Newcastle

Happy: Ferguson held his arms aloft after watching United come from behind three times against Newcastle

Sealed it: Javier Hernandez finally put United in front of Newcastle late in the game

Sealed it: Javier Hernandez finally put United in front of Newcastle late in the game

Omission: Mike Dean decided not to include the incident in his match report

Omission: Mike Dean decided not to include the incident in his match report

You should"ve gone to Specsavers! Redknapp furious with officials after defeat leaves QPR bottom

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You should've gone to Specsavers! Redknapp furious with officials after defeat leaves QPR bottom

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UPDATED:

19:43 GMT, 26 December 2012

Harry Redknapp launched a stinging attack on referee Chris Foy and his two assistants after QPR sunk to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with a controversial defeat to West Brom.

Chris Brunt put Albion ahead with a 30-yard strike before the visitors doubled their lead four minutes after the restart with a goal that infuriated the QPR manager.

Robert Green went to collect a looping ball coming down from the heavens off Armand Traore, but was impeded on the line by Baggies striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, who leaned in to the goalkeeper and he duly dropped the ball in to his own net.

Own goal: Robert Green is bundled into the net by Marc-Antoine Fortune

Own goal: Robert Green is bundled into the net by Marc-Antoine Fortune

QPR's players protested furiously, but Foy let the goal stand.

The hosts pulled one back through Djibril Cisse and they piled on the pressure, with Redknapp thinking his team should have had a penalty in the dying minutes of the encounter at Loftus Road when Liam Ridgewell clearly handled Stephane Mbia's header in the West Brom box.

'I think they were awful decisions. I think the ref got it completely wrong,' said an irate Redknapp.

'It was a blatant foul (on Green). How can the keeper play the ball when a fella' is backing him over the line

'He can't get around him. If he pushes him over or out the way it's a penalty.

'He had no intention of getting the ball he just wanted to stop the 'keeper getting to the ball. It was obstruction, how can it stand

'I asked the linesman how did he not see the penalty.

'Ridgewell's hand was up there, it's the most blatant handball and he couldn't see it.

'The linesman said it was murky down in that corner and he couldn't see it, maybe he should go to Specsavers or somewhere.'

Fury: Redknapp (right) was not happy with the officials' performance

Fury: Redknapp (right) was not happy with the officials' performance

West Brom boss Steve Clarke insisted Fortune did not wrongfully impede the England stopper, however.

'I didn't think it was a foul,' said the Scot, whose side remain in the hunt for at least a top-five place thanks to the win.

'I just saw the ball go up and then in the net. I was confused. I've seen it on the video and I don't think he has done a lot wrong.

'I didn't think it was much of a foul to be honest.

'And with the penalty appeal if it hadn't have hit his hand it would have hit his face so I think it's the correct decision.'

Redknapp had hit out at his over-paid and under-achieving players at the weekend when they lost to Newcastle and the move seemed to work at the start of today's game as Rangers started brightly.

QPR lacked a cutting edge up front, however. Cisse was anonymous until he beat Ben Foster with 22 minutes left and the only other real save the Baggies stopper had to make came in injury time from a Clint Hill header.

Back in it: Cisse halved the deficit for QPR

Back in it: Cisse halved the deficit for QPR

West Brom, on the other hand, were far more clinical. Green could not stop the perfectly placed first-half strike from Brunt and he did well to twice deny Romelu Lukaku, who once again put in an impressive display up front.

Clarke's team could move in to the top four if things go their way this weekend and the Baggies boss was delighted with his team's victory today.

'I thought it was deserved,' he said.

'In the first half we were the better team and we deserved to be in front. We should have got a third or fourth.'

Clarke was forced to change his plans just before the match after his team got stuck in traffic caused by a tube strike that saw the Premier League postpone Arsenal's home game against West Ham until tomorrow.

He said: 'We told the Premier League that if there would be traffic chaos in at Arsenal against West Ham, there might be traffic chaos in west London as well, especially with the shopping centre next door, but they say we had to play.

'It took us an hour to get five miles, but it didn't affect us.'

Laudrup fumes as Dean plays on while Michu"s out cold

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Laudrup fumes as Dean plays on with Michu out cold

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UPDATED:

22:22 GMT, 16 December 2012

Michael Laudrup has demanded an explanation from referee Mike Dean after the official made the decision to play on despite a possible head injury to Michu.

The Swansea manager reacted angrily when a collision with Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris left Michu motionless on the pitch.

That sparked a chain reaction from both dug-outs as Andros Townsend was able to continue running through on goal.

Angry: Swansea manager Michael Laudrup (third from left) was unhappy with Mike Dean failing to stop the game when striker Michu suffered a head injury

Angry: Swansea manager Michael Laudrup (third from left) was unhappy with Mike Dean failing to stop the game when striker Michu suffered a head injury

‘I was very angry,’ confirmed Laudrup. ‘I was not wanting a free-kick or red card for Lloris. Sometimes teams say we have a referee and linesman and we go on until they whistle.

‘But, when possible head injuries happen like this one, there is no doubt. When Michu goes down, the referee and linesman are watching and still they let the game go on.

'It would be nice to hear his explanation. And the linesman as well. They both have to be blamed for this one.’

Lloris sprinted from his goal to punch the ball clear when Swansea were pushing for a late equaliser and met Michu running in the other direction.

Laudrup knew it was serious as soon as he saw the forward go down.

Collision: Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (yellow) clashes with Michu in the 1-0 Tottenham win (yellow) clashed with Michu in the first half of the match

Collision: Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (yellow) clashes with Michu, who needed treatment but did finish the match

Play continued with Michu on the floor causing a scuffle to break out between Swansea's Chico Flores (left) and Tottenham's Kyle Walker

Play continued with Michu on the floor, before a scuffle brok out between Swansea's Chico Flores (left) and Tottenham's Kyle Walker

He added: ‘When I saw him go down I said, “He’s unconscious.” You can’t fake that.’

Arguments broke out and Kyle Walker appeared to strike Chico Flores in the face with his hand.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas agreed with Laudrup, saying: ‘I was expecting the referee to stop the game. It was a difficult decision for Mike because Townsend was running through on goal, but the health of a player is more important.

‘The ref has to stop the game. To be fair, we jumped straight away to try to get it stopped.’