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Former top referee Graham Poll has revealed he is in complete agreement with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, after the Reds' boss hit out at Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has handed Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez his backing, following the Spaniard’s astonishing outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday.
Benitez launched a scathing attack on the Manchester United manager, claiming that Ferguson is able to criticise and intimidate referees without punishment.
Former referee Poll has admitted that he agrees whole-heartedly with Benitez’s comments and also revealed he expects most referees would also back the Liverpool boss.
According to the Daily Mail, Poll said: “Rafa Benitez has articulated what referees have been thinking for years - that Sir Alex Ferguson can say what he wants about them and the FA will allow him to get away with it.”
Although Ferguson has recently served a touchline ban, imposed by the FA, Poll insisted this was not for comments made and claimed that the Scot receives preferential treatment by English football’s governing body.
“The authorities could point to Ferguson's two-match ban imposed earlier this season as proof that he is not out of reach of their disciplinary department,” explained Poll, “But that was for marching onto the field after the 4-3 win over Hull and for comments made directly to the referee, Mike Dean, who, in reporting the misconduct, forced the FA's hand.”
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has handed Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez his backing, following the Spaniard’s astonishing outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday.
Benitez launched a scathing attack on the Manchester United manager, claiming that Ferguson is able to criticise and intimidate referees without punishment.
Former referee Poll has admitted that he agrees whole-heartedly with Benitez’s comments and also revealed he expects most referees would also back the Liverpool boss.
According to the Daily Mail, Poll said: “Rafa Benitez has articulated what referees have been thinking for years - that Sir Alex Ferguson can say what he wants about them and the FA will allow him to get away with it.”
Although Ferguson has recently served a touchline ban, imposed by the FA, Poll insisted this was not for comments made and claimed that the Scot receives preferential treatment by English football’s governing body.
“The authorities could point to Ferguson's two-match ban imposed earlier this season as proof that he is not out of reach of their disciplinary department,” explained Poll, “But that was for marching onto the field after the 4-3 win over Hull and for comments made directly to the referee, Mike Dean, who, in reporting the misconduct, forced the FA's hand.”
