Angry Alex Ferguson hits back at critics

Manchester: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has hit back at criticism of his on-field confrontation with a Premier League referee, saying the incident has been "overplayed."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew suggested Ferguson could have been punished for approaching referee Mike Dean after Wednesday's 4-3 win over Newcastle, after a dubious goal was awarded to the visitors.

Ferguson says Friday he was "demonstrative but ... not out of order," adding "it is unfortunate but I am the manager of the most famous club in the world - not Newcastle, a wee club in the north east."

Alex Ferguson has hit back at criticism of his on-field confrontation with a Premier League referee.

Ferguson, who escaped punishment for the incident, also criticized Pardew as "the worst at haranguing referees." However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger shared Pardew's view, saying Friday "should you behave like that? No...you have to be punished."

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