Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed the extra security Arsenal intend to provide at the Emirates Stadium for his side's Premier League visit tomorrow lunchtime. The Manchester United manager also launched a side-swipe at the Football Association, claiming that they were "dying" to hit him with an improper conduct charge over his touchline row with referee Mike Dean after United's narrow Premier League win over Hull.
Following last year's dramatic clash at the Emirates, Ferguson was unhappy at the treatment he received from Arsenal supporters, believing they had been allowed to get too close to the United dug-out. After an internal investigation, the Gunners have reviewed their security arrangements and will provide increased stewarding for Ferguson and his coaching staff.
"There will be an 'ejection squad' viewing the fans in case there is any issue," a club spokeswoman told the Evening Standard. "In addition to those provisions, there will be somebody in the control room watching an extra camera that will be monitoring the situation around the dug-out. It must be stressed that we have never had any problems other than this one [last year] and we are all hopeful that the game will go off peacefully."
It is hoped the move will prevent a repeat of the ugly scenes during last season's 2-2 draw which even someone as experienced as Ferguson could not turn a blind eye to. "It is quite right they have improved the security," said Ferguson. "Last year was pretty unsavoury. In fact, I think it was nasty. It should not happen when you build a modern stadium like that. It is too open for my liking. It is a weakness in the planning that you don't provide safety for the visiting substitutes and staff."
Ferguson, meanwhile, is facing a fine and a touchline ban after complaining at Dean's failure to send off Hull defender Michael Turner for a foul on Michael Carrick last weekend. That Dean then awarded Hull a penalty after aRio Ferdinand challenge on Bernard Mendy only infuriated the Scot further.
"I have no reaction because I have not read the charge yet," he said. "I am a bit surprised. But this is the FA. They were probably dying to send me a letter." Ferguson has until November 19 to decide whether to contest the charge, knowing he served a two-match ban last term for a finger-jabbing rant at Mark Clattenburg following a defeat at Bolton.
