December
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Tomorrows referee Andy D'Urso is no stranger to controversy. D'Urso was famously the referee when he awarded Middlesbrough a penalty at Old Trafford and he was chased by the Man Utd players (below).

Former Man Utd defender Jaap Stam said of the situation

"Everyone has seen that infamous picture of us crowding around the referee. Roy Keane's veins on his face and neck were standing out so much they could burst. I have to say it doesn't look pretty. With hindsight, our actions were daft, as the referee was never going to change his mind. But we felt we had to do something. We thought he had made a mistake and we were desperate to tell him that. My head went when I heard the whistle and I thought there was no way it could be a penalty, because I'd won the ball. By the time the reality of the situation had sunk in, Gary Neville was already chasing the referee, demanding he change his mind. I was close behind and as D'Urso kept backing away, I strode forward to air my disgust. He kept running backwards and that made it look worse. If he'd stood still and talked to us, I doubt whether much would have been made of it"

Gregory's quote of "I'll punch his lights out" earned him a 28 day touchline ban two years ago and Gregory was again sent off by D'Urso on Boxing Day against Liverpool. Gregory faces a fine and a touchline ban for the abusive language aimed at the referee and his officials.

My only hope is that D'Urso is up to the potential intimidation of Leeds Utd and does not bottle it by punishing the weaker team.