Ferguson backs Benitez comments
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez's complaints over the Premier League fixture scheduling and claimed clubs like his own are being punished for their success.
Benitez is fuming at the number of Saturday lunchtime away games Liverpool find themselves involved in immediately after international breaks and Champions League weeks.
"Rafa is quite right to complain," said Ferguson. "If there is an unfairness against teams, it should be addressed but I don't know if the authorities would listen."
United often find themselves in the same situation and head to Everton on Saturday for a noon start at Goodison Park.
Although on this occasion the kick-off time has been determined by Merseyside Police rather than the TV companies, Ferguson does believe there is an issue to be addressed.
And the Red Devils chief is laying the blame squarely at the Premier League's door.
"Over the last five years, we have had more lunchtime kick-offs than anyone and you would think that deserves some kind of attention.
"The Premier League are to blame. I accept, given when the fixture lists come out, it is just unfortunate if you find yourself away from home after a European tie but Rafa is talking about the lunchtime kick-offs."
