Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson have extended their mid-game verbal stoush to the post-game press conferences with the latter claiming the Italian “refereed the game”.
Manchester City were triumphant 1-0 over Manchester United in Monday’s derby which moves the Sky Blues back into top spot on goal difference with only two games to play.
The two bosses were involved in an altercation during the game, after a foul by Nigel de Jong on Danny Welbeck left the latter on crutches.
Ferguson was furious with Mancini, who he insisted harangued the referee throughout the contest.
“He refereed the game,” Ferguson said.
“He was out on that touchline the whole game haranguing the referee, the fourth official and the linesmen. The minute I come off the bench for a bad tackle by De Jong on Welbeck, he was out again.
“He can’t have it both ways. He’s been complaining about referees this season but he won’t be complaining tonight that’s for sure.”
However, when Mancini heard the comments, he was perplexed by Ferguson, who he believes always does the same.
“Who said this? Him, no? He doesn’t talk with the referee or the fourth official? No, never,” he said sarcastically. “I didn’t speak with him, he came towards me, but I can understand. I said nothing against him, only spoke to the fourth official.”