RVP could’ve been killed: Fergie
Swansea, Dec. 24: Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson claimed Robin van Persie could have been killed after the Dutch striker was hit on the back of the head with the ball in the 1-1 draw against Swansea.
Ferguson vented his fury at the 75th-minute incident at the Liberty Stadium that led to Ashley Williams and van Persie being booked.
Having been upended on the edge of the penalty area, van Persie flew at Williams and had to be restrained by his teammates after the Wales defender hit him flush on the back of the head with the ball.
Ferguson later claimed that Williams could have killed his player and demanded that the Football Association take action.
As for the game itself, Michu’s 13th goal of the season, after 29 minutes, cancelled out Patrice Evra’s 16th-minute header from van Persie’s corner.
“Van Persie could have been killed. The FA has got to look into it,” said Ferguson.
“Irrespective of him (Williams) having a yellow card, he should be banned for a long time because that was the most dangerous thing I’ve seen on a football field for many, many years.
“It was absolutely deliberate, absolutely no question. The whistle has gone, the game has stopped, and he’s done that right in front of the referee (Michael Oliver), a foot from the player.
“He could have really killed the lad. It was a disgraceful act by the player. He should be banned for a long, long time.”
The United manager was also less than pleased with Wayne Rooney, who was substituted in the 78th minute after a lacklustre display. “He didn’t play well, it’s as simple as that,” said the Scot, who added his team should have cantered to a victory which would have restored their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.— AFP