Benitez blasts Fergie in title race outburst

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez today launched an astonishing attack on Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Spaniard claimed the Manchester United boss is "the only manager who will not be punished" for his outspoken criticism of referees.

Benitez also suggested that Chelsea should be wary when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday because United employees always try to intimidate match officials.

The Liverpool boss also told Ferguson to stop moaning about fixture problems and claimed the Merseysiders were not being shown any favouritism by the Premier League.

A win over Stoke tomorrow will see Benitez's team go six points clear of second-placed Chelsea and 10 ahead of the champions before they meet 24 hours later.

Benitez had clearly been wound-up over comments Ferguson made last week suggesting that Liverpool would make "mistakes" in the title run-in.

And even though the 48 year old was reading from a statement, his rant evoked memories of Kevin Keegan in 1996 when he erupted at the United boss before Newcastle lost a 12-point lead and the title.

Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the respect campaign. And I was very clear, we should forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith) Hackett.
"How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week."