Fergie sees red over Scholes

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accused referee Andre Marriner of dismissing Paul Scholes purely on reputation during the 3–1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

United ended Spurs’ 100-per-cent start to the season with goals from Ryan Giggs, Anderson and Wayne Rooney but they had to play the final half an hour with 10 men after Scholes was sent off for two bookings.

The veteran midfielder was cautioned for clattering Jermain Defoe and a slide on Tom Huddlestone, although Ferguson felt it was an unfair second yellow card.

He said: “It was terrible sending off, I think the referee got it wrong. I have looked at the video twice and I don’t see any sending off.

“The Tottenham player is the one who has committed the real foul. Scholesy was a foot above him. He’s never touched him. He’s been sent off because his name is Paul Scholes. That is why he was sent off. It was a ridiculous decision.”

Defoe had given Spurs the lead with less than a minute on the clock with a spectacular scissor–kick, then Giggs levelled with a free–kick. Anderson’s goal was his first for United, then Rooney wrapped up the scoring.