United braced for FA call

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson claiming there was not a dirty tackle in the game, the Red Devils still ended up with the names of exactly half the playing members of their squad going into the notebook of referee Mike Riley.

"It was a competitive game but I did not think there was one bad tackle in it," said Ferguson.

The seven bookings will be enough to trigger the involvement of Soho Square, who automatically act when the number reaches six.

And they might also end up looking at the clash between Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba right on the final whistle which left the Chelsea man needing treatment.

Ferguson added: "The game is being screened worldwide. Everyone is watching it and something like that happens. People are saying what is going on here but it is difficult to say anything about the referee.

"I do not want to get involved."

At least Riley received the backing of Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who noted the FA's recent 'Respect' initiative aimed at greater co-operation between players and officials.

"I am not surprised," said Scolari. "That is what the referee is there for.

"If players do not respect him, it should be yellow and red cards. It doesn't matter who you are - Liverpool or Manchester United, whoever."