‘Livid’ Fergie says Van Persie ‘could have been killed’ after being struck by ball on head

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Swansea City captain Ashley Williams for deliberately kicking Robin Van Persie on the head with the ball during their 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, and added that the striker could have been killed due to that.

In an outburst that said as much about Ferguson's disappointment at seeing United's lead over Manchester City eroded to four points as it did about the danger posed to Van Persie, the Scot said Williams should be banned by the Football Association (FA) for his part in the incident, the Telegraph reports.

The flashpoint came in the 75th minute of an open and eventful game in which Michu's 13th league goal of the season cancelled out Patrice Evra's opener for the visitors, it added. Van Persie was brought down on the edge of the Swansea box by Nathan Dyer as United pressed for a winner, and as referee Michael Oliver whistled for the free-kick Williams's lashed clearance hit the Dutchman's head as he lay on the ground, it said. It drew a furious reaction from Van Persie, who lunged at Williams, grabbing his shirt before being dragged away by teammates and both players were booked, the paper added.

Ferguson claimed Van Persie was lucky to be alive or could have suffered a broke neck due to that deliberate kick, and branded it as disgraceful, demanding the FA to take serious action against the Wales international. Ferguson also said that it was the most dangerous thing on the pitch he had seen in his entire career

ALSO READ

IPL 2013: It's going to be tough game against Punjab, says Daniel Vettori

IPL 2013: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid fashion Rajasthan Royals' win

IPL 2013: A forgettable 'hat-trick' for Kieron Pollard

Conditions in England will assist my style of bowling, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar