Scholes Reputation Got Him Sent Off

15 September 09 by Bill

Alex Ferguson believes it was Paul Scholes’ reputation which earned him United’s first red card of the season in the 3-1 victory over Spurs on Saturday.

Scholes was sent off for two bookable offences; first taking down Defoe before a clumsy challenge on Huddlestone. Scholes clearly tried to pull out of the challenge with Huddlestone and Ferguson believes the referee made a rash decision.

“It was a bad decision,” he said. “The atmosphere and the reaction of the Tottenham players did not help. But the referee made a quick decision. If he had waited a few seconds he may have made a different decision.”

“It is because it is Paul Scholes,” he said. “Unfortunately, he has that reputation. He does have clumsy tackles at times. But that wasn’t one.

“He didn’t make contact with the player at all. He lifted his leg above the player. If anything it was his finger that caught him in the face.

“Overall, it is pretty disappointing.”

Scholes will now miss the Manchester derby this Sunday.