MANCHESTER – The Football Association (FA) will consider the nature of any disciplinary action when it has received Mike Dean’s report.
Report by The Telegraph Sir Alex Ferguson was incensed that Dean awarded Newcastle United’s second goal.
When Danny Simpson shot goalwards, Papiss Cissé appeared to be in an offside position as the ball deflected in off Manchester United defender Jonny Evans past David de Gea.
The assistant referee, Jake Collin, initially signalled an offside against Cissé.
Dean ran over to consult Collin, eventually ruling that Cissé was not interfering with play.
Before the start of the second half, Ferguson strode on to the pitch and made his point loudly to Dean before heading to the dug-out and continuing the offside debate with Collin and the fourth official, Neil Swarbrick.
According to the updated Laws of the Game, the relevant section on offside in Law XI states that “a player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by interfering with an opponent”.
That “interfering” could mean distracting an opponent which Ferguson clearly believes Cissé did to Evans.
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“Mike Dean does not have benefit of the video replay which I had,” Ferguson said. “When I saw it, I knew right away it was a mistake. The linesman correctly whistled for offside because Cissé was in offside position when the cross was made and he also pulled Jonny Evans’ arm.
“If that’s not interference then what is interference? That was the point I was making to Mike Dean. Mike Dean said it was an own goal so it didn’t matter that the player was offside, but when you see the video replay he is certainly interfering with the play.”
The former Fifa referee Graham Poll disagreed, tweeting: “Well done, Mike Dean, correct decision.” Poll added: “Position of offside not an offence.
IFAB rule interference only when playing ball. Evans played it. Dean cleared facts with Collin.”
Newcastle’s manager Alan Pardew, said: “It doesn’t matter who is offside, he could be 20 yards offside if the defender sticks it in. I can’t see a problem with it.’’
Ferguson’s eventual delight at victory was tempered by the news that Wayne Rooney got injured training on Christmas Day. “Wayne tweaked a ligament at the back of knee. He could be out for two to three weeks, which is unfortunate.
“Danny Welbeck took ill at the hotel last night. Ashley Young got injured in training also.”
Newcastle left Old Trafford with their midfielder Vurnon Anita sustaining a bad-looking injury when caught late by Antonio Valencia.
“I was a bit upset with that tackle,” Pardew said.
“I don’t think it was malicious. I don’t think Valencia was trying to hurt the player, but he mistimed it badly. Unfortunately it might cost us a player. It is a bang on the ankle.”
