Noon kick-off has Fergie fuming

Alex Ferguson has rounded on Bolton police for scheduling a noon kick-off at the Reebok Stadium.

The decision was taken amid fears there could be organised violence between rival supporters. Pubs were advised to stay closed.

United manager Ferguson felt the kick-off time worked against them following their Champions League victory against Juventus in midweek.

“I can’t understand why it was a noon kick-off. It really amazes me that the police can decide that,” he told Manchester United Clubcall after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s late goal salvaged a point.

“We had a European tie on Wednesday night and it would have been hard enough with a 3pm kick-off.

“A noon kick-off is hard work after playing such a hard game on Wednesday night.

“We didn’t get any help from the league in that respect. The police have made that decision and I can’t understand it at all.”