Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Sergio Aguero’s claims that foreign players are treated harshly by Premier League referees is untrue.
The Manchester City forward claimed that some players from abroad are dealt with due to their reputation, with Luis Suarez recently not getting the rub of the green with match officials.
However, the legendary Scottish coach does not feel that players’ origin have an impact on the decision-making process.
“As a subject it is not worth going down because we have known for quite a few years there are plenty of players diving and, you have to say, particularly foreign players,” Ferguson stated in a press conference, published on Sky Sports.
Nani is another player that has been accused of simulation in the past, with the Portugal international denied a penalty in United’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.
Ferguson has defended the tricky winger and stated that decisions are open to interpretation.
“Nani is not the type to dive. He has never been that type of player.
“It was a penalty kick on Saturday. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t.
“From the referee’s position it was difficult because there were plenty of bodies in front of him. The linesman could have helped him but he didn’t,” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight