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FA writes to Grant for explanation about outburst

17/05/2008

The Football Association (FA) is reported to have written to Chelsea manager Avram Grant over claims he made about referees favouring Manchester United.

Grant believes referee Steve Bennet should have awarded Wigan a penalty at a crucial point in their match against United last week and also felt Paul Scholes should have been sent off.

The Chelsea boss views Bennet's failure to take action in both instances as a demonstration that he was favouring United.

On Wednesday Grant said: "I told you that I believed in the tradition of the fair English game. I will not say anything against it. But what happened is what I expected.

"In England there are very good referees, but there are some - a few that you can influence, like you saw.

"I think that Paul Scholes should have had a red card on Sunday and Wigan a penalty also. But it is finished. I congratulate Manchester United."

The FA has now written to Grant seeking an explanation and the Israeli manager could face disciplinary action if they are not satisfied with his answer.

Grant also cited the example of referee Mike Dean, who sent off John Obi Mikel when the Blues travelled to Old Trafford this season, as another instance of favouritism.

Many experts agreed with Grant that Bennet had got those two decisions wrong in United's match with the Latics and that could save him from any repercussions.

Grant has until May 28th to respond to the FA.