Alex Ferguson has criticised David Luiz’s professionalism, claiming the Chelsea player’s “dying swan” act got fellow Brazilian Rafael sent off at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Rafael became the first Manchester United player to be dismissed in the Premier League this season during the final minute of his side’s 1-0 defeat.
After Luiz twice nearly caught Rafael with what Ferguson felt was an elbow, Rafael lashed out, prompting referee Howard Webb to brandish a red card.
“Rafael retaliates but Luiz quite clearly elbows him twice then rolls about like a dying swan.
“He was smiling too... it’s not very professional,” Ferguson said.
Keeper Abbiati to get a new contract
Veteran Milan keeper Christian Abbiati will be offered a new contract, club chief Adriano Galliani told reporters yesterday.
Abbiati played a blinder in the 1-0 win over Torino on Sunday and Galliani said Milan owe the victory to their goalkeeper.
“All credit to Abbiati who in my opinion saved our skins,” Galliani said.
“He was the best player on the pitch. He’ll be here next year for sure. He has a lifetime policy here.
“He’s the kind of keeper who saves results as well as shots.”
Pantilimon plays
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will not change his decision to leave Joe Hart out of his side for the FA Cup final.
Mancini has made it clear the England number one will not be in his starting line-up to face Wigan at Wembley on Saturday, preferring to reward Costel Pantilimon for his performances in getting City to Wembley.
When asked if he may be tempted to pick Hart for the final, the Italian said: “I don’t think so, we decided this at the start of the season. Pantilimon deserves to play.
“Hart won the FA Cup two years ago, he won the Premier League last year, he is the best in England and I think he should be happy his second keeper can play in a big game.”
European aim for Frank de Boer
Ajax coach Frank de Boer set his sights on improving the Dutch giants’ showing in Europe after leading them to a third successive Eredivisie title.
The Amsterdam outfit were crowned champions with a game to spare after thrashing Willem II 5-0 on Sunday. That was Ajax’s 32nd championship crown – 11 more than the next-best team, PSV Eindhoven.
De Boer said: “We want to move forward in Europe, and play attractive football. If we succeed in this, I’m convinced we can achieve something.”
De Boer insisted they would not break the bank to bring success though, adding: “Ajax don’t pay absurd amounts.”
PFA award winner Higdon arrested
Motherwell striker Michael Higdon has been arrested over an alleged assault hours after being crowned PFA Scotland Player of the Year. The 29-year-old from Liverpool was held in connection with an incident at a Glasgow nightclub.
He received his award at a ceremony at the Hilton hotel on Sunday night. A press conference with Higdon, due to have taken place yesterday, was cancelled at short notice.
Higdon won the award voted for by his peers ahead of Leigh Griffiths, of Hibernian, Andrew Shinnie, of Inverness, and Aber-deen forward Niall McGinn.
The absence of any players from Celtic from the awards shortlist had caused controversy, with Hoops boss Neil Lennon describing the situation as “abysmal”.
Violence mars Boca-River draw
Crowd violence marred the biggest match of the Argentine league season at La Bombonera on Sunday after River Plate scored the fastest goal in a “superclasico” before being held 1-1 by Boca Juniors.
Midfielder Manuel Lanzini rose between Boca’s central defenders to head River into the lead after 45 seconds but Santiago Silva equalised six minutes before half-time.
However, the match was held up for 10 minutes in the second half when River coach Ramon Diaz was sent to the stands for insulting the referee and hardcore Boca fans behind the River goal lit flares and threw objects including petards on to the pitch.
Vilanova could miss Barca party
Coach Tito Vilanova could miss the title celebrations if Barcelona are crowned La Liga champions tomorrow as he will be in New York having a medical check-up.
Barca’s 4-2 victory at home to Real Betis on Sunday left the Catalans 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with four games left to play.
Real host Malaga at the Bernabeu in a re-arranged fixture tomorrow when anything less than a victory would hand Barca their fourth title in five years – Vilanova’s first in his debut season at the helm.
If Real win their game, Barca’s next opportunity to seal the lea-gue title will be at the Calderon next Sunday, when they visit third-placed Atletico Madrid.