Fergie's Fury At Ropey Ref

Mar 9 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

SEETHING Sir Alex Ferguson launched a sensational attack on referee Martin Atkinson after his side's FA Cup exit and insisted the whistler should be sacked.

Fergie let rip after Atkinson failed to give a first-half penalty when Cristiano Ronaldo was taken out by Sylvain Distin.

To make matters worse Portsmouth then hit the winner from the spot after Milan Baros was brought down by Edwin Van Der Sar.

FA refs chief Keith Hackett also copped a mouthful from the fuming United gaffer.

Sir Alex said: "The ref's performance was incredible.

"Managers get sacked because of things like that and he's going to referee a game next week.

"Hackett has a lot to answer for as he's not doing his job properly.

"We all know he has his favourites and he has to be assessed - just like players and managers.

"The penalty decision was just ridiculous - I can't explain it."

United winger Ronaldo claimed he now fears trying tricks as he's getting no protection from refs.

He said: "The referee didn't want to give me a penalty and didn't want to book their players.

"Refs don't give skilful players protection. I'm scared to try things."