The Times:
The storm of controversy surrounding Graham Poll darkened last night when Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, accused the head of the referees' governing body of showing favouritism towards Chelsea before their top-of-the-table clash this month.
In an extraordinary outburst, Ferguson branded Keith Hackett's offer to meet José Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, after the Barclays Premiership champions' recent complaints about Poll as "absolutely ludicrous".
However, in a swift counter-attack last night, Hackett denied the claims of bias towards Chelsea and said that he was always willing to meet any manager if they felt that an issue needed to be addressed. "I'm not offended but I am really surprised at what Sir Alex has said," Hackett said.
"Graham Poll is the best referee we have got," Ferguson said. "Yes, he has got an arrogance about him at times and a cockiness about him, but when the players have got it we think it's good. When a referee's got it we think he is a big-headed so-and-so.
"He is the best person to referee our game with Chelsea, but I'm fearing if he gets the game now with all the controversy with Chelsea and now that Keith Hackett is meeting with José Mourinho.
"Goodness me, what's going on in this world? Does he ever go and meet Arsène Wenger, Rafael Benítez or this old guy here? There's a preference going out to Chelsea because there was a bad decision against them. It seems to be absolutely ludicrous."
Hackett said, however, that he does meet the top managers. "A few years ago, I saw Alex at the Carrington training ground," Hackett said. "I've also met with Arsène Wenger at London Colney and, two or three weeks ago, I had discussions with Rafael Benítez at Melwood.
"We also have pre-season meetings with managers and it is PGMOL policy to communicate with all participants in the game. Over the years, when an issue has been raised and a telephone call or e-mail will not suffice, I will go and see any manager. I will see anyone and everyone."
Mail on Sunday:
The Chelsea manager responded to Ferguson's belief that it was "absolutely ludicrous" for Mourinho to seek a meeting with referees' chief Keith Hackett — following the champions' controversial defeat at Tottenham last weekend when captain John Terry was sent off — by highlighting decisions that had gone United's way over the past two seasons.
"If I saw a ball go two metres over my line — two metres — and a goal is not given, then I don't speak about referees for two years," said Mourinho, referring to two seasons ago when officials failed to spot then United goalkeeper Roy Carroll scooping the ball out of the net against Spurs.
"If I am given a penalty that kills my opponent in the first minute before they are warmed up, then I don't speak about referees for a year," he added, implying that United were fortunate to be awarded an early spot-kick when Wayne Rooney fell against Portsmouth last weekend.
Mourinho also defended his planned meeting with Hackett, which he requested in the aftermath of the 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane. "I was officially invited to a meeting of Premiership managers before the season and I went. There was one in the south and one in the north. I don't know if Alex went to the one in the north.
"At the end, Mr Hackett told us that if we were not happy during the season or you can give me your opinions, please call me. He gave me his card. After the game against Reading, I almost called him. After Sheffield United, I almost called him. After Tottenham, I couldn't do any other thing than call him."