FERGIE WANTS A PANEL OF REFEREES FOR EUROPE

Last updated : 14 March 2004 By Editor

This from The Scotsman.

"The Russian referee booked Ivanov early on for a nothing challenge and then waved play on when Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly and deliberately body-checked later.

"He was suggesting that Ronaldo was play-acting but he had to be taken off with a thigh injury and could be out for a while.

"I really believe that, for a tournament of that status, they should have an elite group of referees, such as we have in the Premiership and as they do in Italy.

"It would make far more sense."

Unfortunately for Ferguson, if Uefa did have such a list, Ivanov would almost certainly be in it.

The 42-year-old Moscow PE teacher was refereeing his 15th Champions League match on Tuesday - three of which have now involved United.

He was also deemed competent enough to take charge of last summer's Confederations Cup Final and the World Club Championship clash between AC Milan and Boca Juniors in December.