Alex Ferguson blasts Newcastle and Alan Pardew

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his behaviour on Boxing Day, launching an attack on Alan Pardew and Newcastle, referring to them as a “wee club.”

The Manchester United manager has been heavily criticised for his behaviour in the 4-3 win in which he was seen to clash with Mike Dean and his assistants.

Pardew said Ferguson should have been punished, and that Dean may regret not reporting the United boss to the FA.

Sir Alex has hit back at this saying: “I was demonstrative but I was not out of order. The press have had a field day. The only person they have not spoken to is Barack Obama because he is busy.

“It is unfortunate but I am the manager of the most famous club in the world. Not Newcastle, a wee club in the north east.

“I was demonstrative. I am always demonstrative. Everyone knows that. I am an emotional guy. But I was not abusive.

“I shouted Mike over. We walked towards each other. I was only on (the pitch) three or four yards. That has been overplayed.

“The problem for me is that the profile of this club is huge.

“Alan Pardew has come out and criticised me. He is the worst at haranguing referees. He shoves them and makes a joke of it. How he can criticise me is unbelievable. He forgets the help I gave him, by the way.”

Pardew was given a two-match touchline ban and fined £20,000 after accepting an FA charge of improper conduct for pushing an assistant referee earlier this season.

He was sent off during the 2-1 win over Tottenham on August 18 at St James’ Park when he pushed Peter Kirkup after claiming the ball had gone out of play during a Spurs attack.