Ferguson trains fire on officials

ALEX FERGUSON took another swipe at a referee as Manchester United’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a severe blow at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

The United manager, who branded Alan Wiley “unfit” last month, this time claimed referee Martin Atkinson’s decisions – which led to Chelsea’s goal in a 1-0 victory – were the kind which lead managers and players to “lose faith in refereeing”.

Atkinson awarded a free-kick for Darren Fletcher’s challenge on Ashley Cole, and Wes Brown appeared to be impeded as Frank Lampard’s delivery was turned into the net by a combination of captain John Terry and Nicolas Anelka.