Fergie: Arsenal have been 'doing deals for years'

Sir Alex Ferguson today launched twin broadsides at Arsenal and the Football Association claiming the Gunners “have been doing deals for years” to escape tough disciplinary action and that Rio Ferdinand has been “hung out” by the FA.

Ferguson said it was “remarkable” how often Arsenal managed to escape charges and pointed the finger at keeper Jens Lehmann escaping with a warning for pushing officials during the infamous Old Trafford bust-up in September.

Arsenal and five of their players have been handed fines totalling £275,000 and suspensions equating to nine games, but Ferguson said the Gunners would be “delighted”.

The United boss said: “I read this morning that they had done a deal, and I think it was a suspicion right through the country that they had done a deal.

“They had charges dropped – they are very fortunate that they have that position within the game. We at Manchester United just hope we can win titles without any help.

“They had charges dropped right away, and I’ve never heard of that. Have you heard of that?”

“I think Arsenal will be delighted with the decision, that’s without question. Vieira’s injured, for a start, isn’t he?

“They are very fortunate, Arsenal, that they can get off with that, and they have been doing that for years. It’s obvious they have been doing deals for years, the number of times they have got off with charges outside their 50-odd sendings-off, if you think about it.

“They have been up for 10 times for charges, I think, and have got off with eight – I am not really sure of the figures. It’s remarkable, really remarkable.

Asked if he had seen television footage of the incident, which happened at the end of the 0-0 draw in September, Ferguson said he had.

He added: “They even got off with pushing the referee and the linesman, they weren’t even charged. I can’t believe it.”

Ferguson then turned his guns onto the FA for the way they have handled the Ferdinand situation.

The defender faces a lengthy ban after being charged this week with failure or refusal to take a drugs test.

The United manager said: “He has been found guilty without any reason to be found guilty, by the media and the FA – and that’s the way he has been hung out. It’s disappointing and he’s having to carry that.

“Manchester United are a perfect platform for all the ambitious people in football, people who want to make a name for themselves. I think Manchester United is a perfect name for them. There is some evidence of that.”

Asked how Ferdinand was coping he said: “He’s not enjoying it obviously but where he is coping is that he has managed to focus on the football games quite well and I think that’s important to him.

“His one saving grace is that he has got a football game to look forward to at the moment.”