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Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Manchester United deserved late penalty against Arsenal, claims Ferguson

• Gaël Clichy appeared to clip Michael Owen in the area
• Nemanja Vidic's first-half handball also unpunished

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 1 May 2011 17.26 BST <li class="history">Article history

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal. Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

Sir Alex Ferguson bemoaned the failure of the referee Chris Foy to give his Manchester United side a penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Although Ferguson admitted Arsenal had a good claim for a penalty when Nemanja Vidic handled in the first half, the manager felt hard done by as the referee ignored the Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy's clip on Michael Owen's calf.
"It's too big a game not to get the decisions right," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "It balances out in that respect but I think it was difficult to see that one [Vidic's handball] but the one at the end, Clichy knew, he put his hands up in horror."
Ferguson added: "Obviously it gives Chelsea a major chance now and that's what happens when you get these decisions. They got one at Old Trafford last season so that's the worry now. But in terms of ability – a game at Old Trafford, the supporters will be ready for it – and so will our players."
Owen said on Twitter of the incident: "Not seen tv replay but don't need to as I know mine was a pen. Heard people saying Arsenal should of had one too so can't complain too much." Wayne Rooney added on Twitter: "Bad result. But still in our hands. We have to move on to Wednesday now."
Ferguson admitted that his team had disappointed until Arsenal scored through Aaron Ramsey in the 56th minute. "After that we dominated and I think we deserved something," he said. "I think we didn't use the ball properly but once we lost the goal we were in their half most of the time."
Robin van Persie said his side "wanted it more" after Arsenal blew the Premier League title race wide open with their victory. Ramsey's goal – his first since January 2010 – saw United remain three points clear of Chelsea, whom they face next Sunday at Old Trafford.
Van Persie said of the Vidic incident: "A clear penalty and in my opinion a straight red." Asked what the referee had said to him, he replied: "At first nothing because he wasn't sure, but I asked him again just after half-time and he said it wasn't a penalty but I'm sure if he sees it again then he will agree with me.
"If that [United's penalty appeal wrongly turned down] is the case then it's 1-1 on that one but in the end I think we played better today. We wanted it more. They played just on the counterattack so in the end I think [it was] a fair result. It was all about pride today. The fans were great. It was up to us to show some dignity and some honour. We did that so we're very pleased with that."
Ramsey – who was only in the team because of a thigh injury to the captain Cesc Fábregas – urged Arsenal to press on and finish the season on a high. "Our target was just to keep going now until the end of the season, to win all our games and see where we end up from there," he said. "We've done the first bit today. We've still got a few more games left so hopefully we can win them as well."
Arsène Wenger could not hide the frustrations at having no further say in the title race. "We have gone through a difficult period," he said. "The team maybe lacks a bit of maturity under pressure, the team also had to deal with some big disappointments, and I felt that had a subconscious effect on our team.
"For me, it was immense pressure to be out of the title race, believe me, because I felt so strongly we would win this championship. I have not given up any hope, because we want to fight until the last second of the season.
"We were really unlucky this season until now, let's hope we have a bit more luck in the final three weeks – you never know."

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Manchester United deserved late penalty against Arsenal, claims Ferguson

Gaël Clichy appeared to clip Michael Owen in the area
Nemanja Vidic's first-half handball also unpunished

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 1 May 2011 17.26 BST <li class="history">Article history

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal. Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

Sir Alex Ferguson bemoaned the failure of the referee Chris Foy to give his Manchester United side a penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Although Ferguson admitted Arsenal had a good claim for a penalty when Nemanja Vidic handled in the first half, the manager felt hard done by as the referee ignored the Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy's clip on Michael Owen's calf.
"It's too big a game not to get the decisions right," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "It balances out in that respect but I think it was difficult to see that one [Vidic's handball] but the one at the end, Clichy knew, he put his hands up in horror."
Ferguson added: "Obviously it gives Chelsea a major chance now and that's what happens when you get these decisions. They got one at Old Trafford last season so that's the worry now. But in terms of ability a game at Old Trafford, the supporters will be ready for it and so will our players."
Owen said on Twitter of the incident: "Not seen tv replay but don't need to as I know mine was a pen. Heard people saying Arsenal should of had one too so can't complain too much." Wayne Rooney added on Twitter: "Bad result. But still in our hands. We have to move on to Wednesday now."
Ferguson admitted that his team had disappointed until Arsenal scored through Aaron Ramsey in the 56th minute. "After that we dominated and I think we deserved something," he said. "I think we didn't use the ball properly but once we lost the goal we were in their half most of the time."
Robin van Persie said his side "wanted it more" after Arsenal blew the Premier League title race wide open with their victory. Ramsey's goal his first since January 2010 saw United remain three points clear of Chelsea, whom they face next Sunday at Old Trafford.
Van Persie said of the Vidic incident: "A clear penalty and in my opinion a straight red." Asked what the referee had said to him, he replied: "At first nothing because he wasn't sure, but I asked him again just after half-time and he said it wasn't a penalty but I'm sure if he sees it again then he will agree with me.
"If that [United's penalty appeal wrongly turned down] is the case then it's 1-1 on that one but in the end I think we played better today. We wanted it more. They played just on the counterattack so in the end I think [it was] a fair result. It was all about pride today. The fans were great. It was up to us to show some dignity and some honour. We did that so we're very pleased with that."
Ramsey who was only in the team because of a thigh injury to the captain Cesc Fábregas urged Arsenal to press on and finish the season on a high. "Our target was just to keep going now until the end of the season, to win all our games and see where we end up from there," he said. "We've done the first bit today. We've still got a few more games left so hopefully we can win them as well."
Arsène Wenger could not hide the frustrations at having no further say in the title race. "We have gone through a difficult period," he said. "The team maybe lacks a bit of maturity under pressure, the team also had to deal with some big disappointments, and I felt that had a subconscious effect on our team.
"For me, it was immense pressure to be out of the title race, believe me, because I felt so strongly we would win this championship. I have not given up any hope, because we want to fight until the last second of the season.
"We were really unlucky this season until now, let's hope we have a bit more luck in the final three weeks you never know."

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson begins mind games with Chelsea after Arsenal defeat

• Ramsey goal leaves United three points ahead of Chelsea
• "We don't get decisions in big games," says United manager

David Hytner at Emirates Stadium
The Guardian, Monday 2 May 2011 <li class="history">Article history

Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to the assistant referee after the referee, Chris Foy, failed to award a late penalty to Manchester United against Arsenal. Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson watched Arsenal blow the Premier League title race wide open with a 1-0 victory against his Manchester United team at the Emirates Stadium and cited a refereeing injustice among his post-match regrets, going so far as to claim that "we're not going to get the decisions in these big games, I'm afraid".
The United manager was astonished not to be awarded an 88th-minute penalty for what looked to be a foul by Gaël Clichy on the substitute Michael Owen. Arsenal had earlier been denied a penalty of their own for a handball by the United captain, Nemanja Vidic, which even Ferguson admitted should have been given, yet he has long been unconcerned about accusations of him being one-eyed.
In his criticisms of the officials Ferguson has increased the pressure on the team that will take charge of Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, in what looks increasingly like a title decider. Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at home on Saturday, with the help of two fortunate decisions, to close to within three points of United.
Ferguson was furious with the officiating in his team's 2-1 league defeat at Chelsea on 1 March and was unhappy with key decisions in both the league fixtures between the teams last season, which Chelsea won, notably when Didier Drogba was in an offside position when he scored what proved the decisive goal at Old Trafford. Chelsea might point out that they were wronged in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, when Ramires was denied a late penalty.
"It gives Chelsea a major chance now," Ferguson said, after Aaron Ramsey's 56th‑minute goal condemned United to defeat here. "They got great decisions for them [on Saturday] and they seem to get these decisions at the moment.
"They got one to win the league last season at Old Trafford. So that's a worry. You go into a game worrying about these things. But in terms of ability, a game at Old Trafford ... the league at stake ... our supporters will be ready for it and so will my players."
Ferguson has only just returned to the dug‑out after serving a five-match touchline ban for his comments about the referee Martin Atkinson after the Stamford Bridge league game and his latest remarks are sure to go down badly at the Football Association.
Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, conceded that "you can give a penalty" for Clichy's challenge on Owen. "It must have been a penalty," Ferguson said, ruefully. "I think the first one was definitely a flick of the hand from Vida but it was very difficult to see that one. I never saw it and nor did the linesman or the referee. But I think we all got a clear view of the second one – it was a clear penalty kick. We are not going to get decisions like that in a major game. It's too big a game and we don't seem to get these decisions."
Robin van Persie, who might have converted Theo Walcott's 33rd‑minute cross but for Vidic flicking the ball away with his hand, said the incident represented "a clear penalty and, in my opinion, a straight red card".
"It balances out in that respect," Ferguson said. "It was a flick of the hand from Vida but it was difficult to see that. Van Persie was the only one who saw that; he was the only one who complained. The one at the end Clichy immediately knew. He threw his hands up in horror. Owen was definitely brought down."
Owen said, in a tweet: "Not seen tv replay but don't need to as I know mine was a pen. Heard people saying Arsenal should of had one too so can't complain too much. That was a kick in the teeth. We were not happy with our performance but it is important to put today behind us now and focus on things we can affect in the future. Still in a great position so time for one final push."
Ferguson was disappointed that his team had started to play only after they had fallen behind to Ramsey's goal buthe sounded a note of optimism and defiance. United entertain Schalke on Wednesday in the Champions League semi-final second leg, 2-0 in front from the first leg.
"We're in as good a position as you could ever wish for at the start of the season – semi-final of the European Cup, second leg, two-goal lead and we go into [Sunday's] game equal goal difference and it's a home game," he said. "I'll make some changes on Wednesday without question ... bring Scholes back in, Berbatov, Michael Owen, fresh players ... also probably keep my experienced players at the back.
"We deserved a point here. Bear in mind, I don't think Edwin van der Sar had to make a save. Arsenal play a lot of nice football but they never looked like scoring. They got a goal from their only shot on target so it was a bit disappointing."
Wenger lamented how his team could beat United yet drop points against lesser opposition at home. "It makes it more frustrating," he said. "But I prefer to be more frustrated than to lose the game today.
"We had a good performance with everything in it – discipline, fighting spirit and our usual passing game. The team maybe lacks a bit of maturity under pressure and it has also had to deal with some big disappointments. We were really unlucky this season until now. Let's hope we have a bit more luck in the final three weeks. I am very happy for Ramsey. When you think that his injury happened 14 months ago. Now he looks back to his best."

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson begins mind games with Chelsea after Arsenal defeat

Ramsey goal leaves United three points ahead of Chelsea
"We don't get decisions in big games," says United manager

David Hytner at Emirates Stadium
The Guardian, Monday 2 May 2011 <li class="history">Article history

Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to the assistant referee after the referee, Chris Foy, failed to award a late penalty to Manchester United against Arsenal. Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson watched Arsenal blow the Premier League title race wide open with a 1-0 victory against his Manchester United team at the Emirates Stadium and cited a refereeing injustice among his post-match regrets, going so far as to claim that "we're not going to get the decisions in these big games, I'm afraid".
The United manager was astonished not to be awarded an 88th-minute penalty for what looked to be a foul by Gaël Clichy on the substitute Michael Owen. Arsenal had earlier been denied a penalty of their own for a handball by the United captain, Nemanja Vidic, which even Ferguson admitted should have been given, yet he has long been unconcerned about accusations of him being one-eyed.
In his criticisms of the officials Ferguson has increased the pressure on the team that will take charge of Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, in what looks increasingly like a title decider. Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at home on Saturday, with the help of two fortunate decisions, to close to within three points of United.
Ferguson was furious with the officiating in his team's 2-1 league defeat at Chelsea on 1 March and was unhappy with key decisions in both the league fixtures between the teams last season, which Chelsea won, notably when Didier Drogba was in an offside position when he scored what proved the decisive goal at Old Trafford. Chelsea might point out that they were wronged in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, when Ramires was denied a late penalty.
"It gives Chelsea a major chance now," Ferguson said, after Aaron Ramsey's 56th‑minute goal condemned United to defeat here. "They got great decisions for them [on Saturday] and they seem to get these decisions at the moment.
"They got one to win the league last season at Old Trafford. So that's a worry. You go into a game worrying about these things. But in terms of ability, a game at Old Trafford ... the league at stake ... our supporters will be ready for it and so will my players."
Ferguson has only just returned to the dug‑out after serving a five-match touchline ban for his comments about the referee Martin Atkinson after the Stamford Bridge league game and his latest remarks are sure to go down badly at the Football Association.
Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, conceded that "you can give a penalty" for Clichy's challenge on Owen. "It must have been a penalty," Ferguson said, ruefully. "I think the first one was definitely a flick of the hand from Vida but it was very difficult to see that one. I never saw it and nor did the linesman or the referee. But I think we all got a clear view of the second one it was a clear penalty kick. We are not going to get decisions like that in a major game. It's too big a game and we don't seem to get these decisions."
Robin van Persie, who might have converted Theo Walcott's 33rd‑minute cross but for Vidic flicking the ball away with his hand, said the incident represented "a clear penalty and, in my opinion, a straight red card".
"It balances out in that respect," Ferguson said. "It was a flick of the hand from Vida but it was difficult to see that. Van Persie was the only one who saw that; he was the only one who complained. The one at the end Clichy immediately knew. He threw his hands up in horror. Owen was definitely brought down."
Owen said, in a tweet: "Not seen tv replay but don't need to as I know mine was a pen. Heard people saying Arsenal should of had one too so can't complain too much. That was a kick in the teeth. We were not happy with our performance but it is important to put today behind us now and focus on things we can affect in the future. Still in a great position so time for one final push."
Ferguson was disappointed that his team had started to play only after they had fallen behind to Ramsey's goal buthe sounded a note of optimism and defiance. United entertain Schalke on Wednesday in the Champions League semi-final second leg, 2-0 in front from the first leg.
"We're in as good a position as you could ever wish for at the start of the season semi-final of the European Cup, second leg, two-goal lead and we go into [Sunday's] game equal goal difference and it's a home game," he said. "I'll make some changes on Wednesday without question ... bring Scholes back in, Berbatov, Michael Owen, fresh players ... also probably keep my experienced players at the back.
"We deserved a point here. Bear in mind, I don't think Edwin van der Sar had to make a save. Arsenal play a lot of nice football but they never looked like scoring. They got a goal from their only shot on target so it was a bit disappointing."
Wenger lamented how his team could beat United yet drop points against lesser opposition at home. "It makes it more frustrating," he said. "But I prefer to be more frustrated than to lose the game today.
"We had a good performance with everything in it discipline, fighting spirit and our usual passing game. The team maybe lacks a bit of maturity under pressure and it has also had to deal with some big disappointments. We were really unlucky this season until now. Let's hope we have a bit more luck in the final three weeks. I am very happy for Ramsey. When you think that his injury happened 14 months ago. Now he looks back to his best."

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Súarez helps Liverpool ease past Newcastle and into Europa League spot

Comments (166)

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Premier League

Liverpool 3

Maxi Rodríguez 10,
Kuyt 59,
Suárez 65

Newcastle United 0

Andy Hunter at Anfield
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 1 May 2011 14.12 BST <li class="history">Article history

Luis Suárez is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Liverpool's third goal against Newcastle. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

The Europa League seemed of secondary importance to two Liverpool managers this season, but Anfield will not begrudge Kenny Dalglish another invitation as reward for his remarkable restoration work. From 12th to fifth place inside four months: Liverpool fans' only irritation is that their unifying figure did not replace Roy Hodgson earlier.
This was the Andy Carroll reunion in Newcastle United fans' eyes only as his new employers continued their threat to bring sixth-placed Tottenham's continental adventures to a swift end, with minimal fuss. Fenway Sports Group sought stability when it installed Dalglish in January. The long-term solution has been found instead.
"It's the players who deserve all the credit," said the caretaker manager after Maxi Rodríguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suárez sealed Liverpool's now customary routine home win against Newcastle. "They are the ones who do the work in training and bring it on to the pitch. They are the ones with the belief and desire. All we do is encourage them."
Carroll began on the bench following a recent knee injury, as Dalglish made one change from the side that routed Birmingham City – Glen Johnson replacing Jack Robinson at left‑back – but the former Newcastle striker's mere presence was sufficient for a sideshow, as the travelling hordes made clear who they felt was the instigator of his transfer.
The chants commenced during the warm-up as Carroll, who was flown to Merseyside in Mike Ashley's helicopter to complete the £35m deal before the January deadline, was informed his Newcastle career had amounted to no more than wasted chances, drunken misdemeanours and the betrayal of his city. "He's a young boy but he's got broad shoulders," Dalglish said later. A greater distraction on the day was that served on the Newcastle defence by Suárez and Kuyt.
Liverpool's work ethic provided the platform for their 14th victory in the past 16 Premier League meetings with Newcastle at Anfield. Alan Pardew's men were afforded no time on the ball, with the tireless Jay Spearing and Lucas Leiva initially stifling the midfield efforts of Kevin Nolan, Cheik Tioté and Joey Barton, although – fittingly for a side managed by Dalglish and watched from the directors' box by Ian Rush – the pressing and harrying commenced up front. The indefatigable Suárez and Kuyt were the difference compared to the team led by the anonymous Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi.
"Our attacking play could be improved and we need to work on that," Pardew added. "We affected the game but not the scoreline. The commitment and spirit were honourable today but we lacked a bit of quality."
The home side continued where they left off in the 5-0 defeat of Birmingham, flooding the visitors' penalty area and prospering from the breaks as a result. Only 10 minutes had elapsed when Lucas picked out Jonathan Flanagan on the right and though Newcastle's Mike Williamson intercepted his delightful cross, the header fell perfectly for Rodríguez, who followed up the hat-trick of last weekend with a deflected effort beyond Tim Krul.
Newcastle threatened to create a contest once Barton began to find his range from set-pieces and Nolan found space in front of Liverpool's well-drilled ranks but, despite United ending the first half on top, José Reina went untested in the home goal. The visitors' best opening fell to Barton seconds after the restart but he sidefooted Nolan's cross wide from close range and Newcastle never troubled again. It then became the Suárez show.
The Uruguay international almost scored with a deflected shot off Williamson's head before leaving the Newcastle centre-half with a bigger regret when winning the penalty that sealed the victory. Williamson attempted to shepherd a long clearance from Reina out of play when Suárez hustled him off the ball on the touchline and was then pulled to the floor at the edge of the area. The referee, Peter Walton, pointed to the spot and Kuyt sent Krul the wrong way. "The second goal was crucial," said the Newcastle manager. "Had we scored it then it may have been difficult for Liverpool to break out of their slumber but unfortunately Williamson makes a mistake, albeit outside the box."
Kuyt should have added a third with a free header from close range but soon turned provider when Suárez's darting run into the area was blocked by Fabricio Coloccini. The Dutchman flicked the loose ball back to Liverpool's No7 and the exposed Krul was beaten again.
If that was not bad enough for Newcastle, there was still time for Carroll to come on with a broad smile and to a raucous ovation from the Kop. Asked whether losing the big centre-forward had cost Newcastle here, Pardew replied: "The loss of [Hatem] Ben Arfa maybe. He was brought in to be our link man, like Suárez is for Liverpool. That's more important than the impact Andy Carroll had on the game, which was minimal." Only Liverpool have been able to move on since January.

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Súarez helps Liverpool ease past Newcastle and into Europa League spot

Comments (166)

Premier League

Liverpool 3

Maxi Rodríguez 10,
Kuyt 59,
Suárez 65

Newcastle United 0

Andy Hunter at Anfield
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 1 May 2011 14.12 BST <li class="history">Article history

Luis Suárez is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Liverpool's third goal against Newcastle. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

The Europa League seemed of secondary importance to two Liverpool managers this season, but Anfield will not begrudge Kenny Dalglish another invitation as reward for his remarkable restoration work. From 12th to fifth place inside four months: Liverpool fans' only irritation is that their unifying figure did not replace Roy Hodgson earlier.
This was the Andy Carroll reunion in Newcastle United fans' eyes only as his new employers continued their threat to bring sixth-placed Tottenham's continental adventures to a swift end, with minimal fuss. Fenway Sports Group sought stability when it installed Dalglish in January. The long-term solution has been found instead.
"It's the players who deserve all the credit," said the caretaker manager after Maxi Rodríguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suárez sealed Liverpool's now customary routine home win against Newcastle. "They are the ones who do the work in training and bring it on to the pitch. They are the ones with the belief and desire. All we do is encourage them."
Carroll began on the bench following a recent knee injury, as Dalglish made one change from the side that routed Birmingham City Glen Johnson replacing Jack Robinson at left‑back but the former Newcastle striker's mere presence was sufficient for a sideshow, as the travelling hordes made clear who they felt was the instigator of his transfer.
The chants commenced during the warm-up as Carroll, who was flown to Merseyside in Mike Ashley's helicopter to complete the £35m deal before the January deadline, was informed his Newcastle career had amounted to no more than wasted chances, drunken misdemeanours and the betrayal of his city. "He's a young boy but he's got broad shoulders," Dalglish said later. A greater distraction on the day was that served on the Newcastle defence by Suárez and Kuyt.
Liverpool's work ethic provided the platform for their 14th victory in the past 16 Premier League meetings with Newcastle at Anfield. Alan Pardew's men were afforded no time on the ball, with the tireless Jay Spearing and Lucas Leiva initially stifling the midfield efforts of Kevin Nolan, Cheik Tioté and Joey Barton, although fittingly for a side managed by Dalglish and watched from the directors' box by Ian Rush the pressing and harrying commenced up front. The indefatigable Suárez and Kuyt were the difference compared to the team led by the anonymous Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi.
"Our attacking play could be improved and we need to work on that," Pardew added. "We affected the game but not the scoreline. The commitment and spirit were honourable today but we lacked a bit of quality."
The home side continued where they left off in the 5-0 defeat of Birmingham, flooding the visitors' penalty area and prospering from the breaks as a result. Only 10 minutes had elapsed when Lucas picked out Jonathan Flanagan on the right and though Newcastle's Mike Williamson intercepted his delightful cross, the header fell perfectly for Rodríguez, who followed up the hat-trick of last weekend with a deflected effort beyond Tim Krul.
Newcastle threatened to create a contest once Barton began to find his range from set-pieces and Nolan found space in front of Liverpool's well-drilled ranks but, despite United ending the first half on top, José Reina went untested in the home goal. The visitors' best opening fell to Barton seconds after the restart but he sidefooted Nolan's cross wide from close range and Newcastle never troubled again. It then became the Suárez show.
The Uruguay international almost scored with a deflected shot off Williamson's head before leaving the Newcastle centre-half with a bigger regret when winning the penalty that sealed the victory. Williamson attempted to shepherd a long clearance from Reina out of play when Suárez hustled him off the ball on the touchline and was then pulled to the floor at the edge of the area. The referee, Peter Walton, pointed to the spot and Kuyt sent Krul the wrong way. "The second goal was crucial," said the Newcastle manager. "Had we scored it then it may have been difficult for Liverpool to break out of their slumber but unfortunately Williamson makes a mistake, albeit outside the box."
Kuyt should have added a third with a free header from close range but soon turned provider when Suárez's darting run into the area was blocked by Fabricio Coloccini. The Dutchman flicked the loose ball back to Liverpool's No7 and the exposed Krul was beaten again.
If that was not bad enough for Newcastle, there was still time for Carroll to come on with a broad smile and to a raucous ovation from the Kop. Asked whether losing the big centre-forward had cost Newcastle here, Pardew replied: "The loss of [Hatem] Ben Arfa maybe. He was brought in to be our link man, like Suárez is for Liverpool. That's more important than the impact Andy Carroll had on the game, which was minimal." Only Liverpool have been able to move on since January.

Rutashubanyuma · May 2, 2011

Uefa rejects Real Madrid and Barcelona's complaints

• Pepe's red card upheld; Uefa decides against punishing Barça
• No further charges against Mourinho, who faces 6 May hearing

Agencies
guardian.co.uk, Monday 2 May 2011 16.15 BST <li class="history">Article history

Uefa has upheld the red card shown to Real Madrid's Pepe in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona Photograph: Foto Hubner/Actionplus

Uefa has rejected the complaints made by Real Madrid and Barcelona following the tempestuous first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
Real Madrid asked Uefa to take action against six Barcelona players for "premeditated anti-sporting behaviour" and lodged a complaint against the red card shown to the defender Pepe for a foul on Barcelona's Daniel Alves.
But European football's governing body has upheld the defender's suspension and rejected the Madrid club's claims. In a statement on its website, Uefa said: "The protests lodged by Madrid, against the behaviour of the Barcelona players during the match and against the red card shown to Pepe, are rejected.
"In the case of the behaviour of the Barcelona players, it was deemed that there was no common strategy to provoke, while in the case of Pepe, the referee's factual decision is upheld. As a result, Pepe is suspended for the second leg."
The Catalan club also complained to Uefa about the post-match comments made by the Madrid manager, José Mourinho, which claimed that Barcelona received preferential treatment from referees. Uefa said: "The complaint lodged by Barcelona, against the comments made by Mourinho to the press, was also rejected by the vice-chairman of the control and disciplinary body.
"Barcelona have been referred to the proceedings already brought against Mourinho, which will be heard by the control and disciplinary body on Friday 6 May. No new disciplinary proceedings are therefore to be opened against Mourinho on the basis of the complaint lodged by Barcelona."
Mourinho was sent off during the match at the Bernabéu for his actions following Pepe's dismissal. The clubs have three days to appeal against Uefa's decisions. They play the second leg of the semi-final, with Barcelona's holding a two-goal lead, at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

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