Blades Suffer Same Fate As Us All

Last Updated : 18-Apr-2007 by
Some say Newcastle have not won at Old Trafford since that Stu Barrowclough goal in 1972, but we did win there in our FA Cup semi-finals against Sheffield United and Tottenham.

But we have not beaten the Mancs on their own soil during that time, although we have had countless shouts for a penalty during that period.

There is some rule in the laws of the game, near the back I think, saying "though shalt turn a blind eye to all tackles in the Man Utd penalty area during the game".

Warnock was stunned, as everyone watching at home was, over the penalty that never was at Old Trafford on Tuesday night as his side lost 2-0 to Manchester United.

Home defender Gabriel Heinze launched into a second-half tackle on speedy Blades striker Luton Shelton, yet referee Rob Styles waved away the visitors' spot-kick claims.

Had the decision been made, Heinze would surely have been sent off, and who knows what would have happened.

But laws are made for us all ... but not for Manchester United ... the Golden Boys of the FA.

The list goes on. Remember when they refused to play in the FA Cup when they went to Brazil to play in some one-off competition? The FA rules state "any club that failed to play in the FA Cup the previous year, must start at the qualifying stages the next year".

When asked about this, the head of the FA replied: "We cannot have Manchester United qualifying".

It even goes to the bizarre at times. When they were knocked out of Europe by Barcelona 4-0 at Nou Camp, every Premiership club was sent a letter from the FA instructing them NOT to play the Freddy Mercury song "Barcelona" before, after, or at half-time, whenever Manchester United were the visitors.

You have to laugh.

(* If it seems I am bitter and twisted against all things Man Utd ... you're right!)