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After the 1-0 loss in the FA Cup final to Chelsea, the head coach of the English Premier League champions, Sir Alex Ferguson, stated that his team was denied a deserved penalty kick in the match.
The 65-year-old coach believes that Chelsea's Ghanaian goalkeeper Michael Essien fouled against Ryan Giggs during extra time when Giggs had a chance to score.
"Without a doubt, it was a penalty kick. Losing the game and not noticing it is very sad," said the Scottish coach, who has been at the helm of Manchester United for more than two decades.
Before the match began, Mourinho summoned referee Steve Bennett, asking him not to be influenced by various theatrics and provocations.
Essien fouled Giggs, who was attempting to direct the ball into the goal after a pass from Wayne Rooney. His shot was caught by goalkeeper Petr Cech, who tried to keep the ball from crossing the goal line when Ferguson's players collided with him.
"It was definitely a penalty kick. If not, the goalkeeper would have let the ball pass beyond the goal line," added the coach. "I think it was harder for the linesman to see, but the main referee was in a better position."
Welsh national team left-back Giggs hoped that referee Bennett would count the goal.
"The ball really crossed the goal line, and I asked for the goal to be counted. I could see it happen, and if the referee didn't award a penalty, then it was a goal," said the veteran. "I felt I would reach the ball and then felt someone touch my leg. But I asked not for a penalty kick, but for a goal. Obviously, we are very disappointed. The most crucial decisions were not in our favor, and when you don't get them, it's very difficult."
Manchester United coach Ferguson blamed fatigue for the loss, stating that the players were affected by tiredness after returning to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final.
"We were a bit tired. The several matches they played eventually affected them. It was the same for both teams, but in two or three positions, we were really tired," said Ferguson. "The pitch quality wasn't very good, maybe that didn't help, but from our point of view, we were tired. There was nothing in common between the two teams. Neither deserved to win or lose, but we are disappointed that we lost."
