Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticized the performance of referee Herbert Fandel in their 2-1 Champions League quarter final first leg defeat at Roma on Tuesday. "I don't think we got a decision all night but that's European football," Ferguson told a post game press conference. The Red Devils were reduced to ten men as early as the 32nd minute after Paul Scholes produced two erratic tackles that earned him two yellow cards and his marching orders. "Considering we played with 10 men, mostly against 12 men for an hour, it's a good result for us," the Scotsman said, hinting that Fandel took Roma's side. Ferguson added: "The referee told us before the game, anyone encouraging players to be booked or sent off, he would book them. "But he didn't book the players clapping him, applauding him for sending a player off. So that's not acceptable. "I can't complain about the sending off. It was probably two cards. Paul likes to tackle. Unfortunately in Europe, it's not acceptable."
Spalletti Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ferguson's side held on and managed to score an away goal that could prove crucial in the second-leg at Old Trafford. "I said before the game if we score then we have a massive chance. At Old Trafford, we've got a fantastic chance, don't worry about that." On the other hand, AS Roma boss Luciano Spalletti seemed disappointed by the result. "With more luck we could have won by more," he said. "When they were unable to score we had our hands on the scruff of the neck of the match and I thought we would make it 2-0." When asked about his team's chances of making it to the semi finals, Spalletti said: "It's 50-50. A win like this is only a good start. What counts is what happens over the full 180 minutes". The second leg will be played at Manchester next Tuesday.
