SIR Alex Ferguson risked another FA rap by publicly criticising a referee - but this time the United boss was entirely right.

The Reds slipped to five points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after losing a controversial match 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The Londoners' winner had United seething and Ferguson blasted ref Martin Atkinson for two decisions - and claimed his squad are starting to lose faith with English referees.

The United boss is already on an FA improper conduct charge after claiming that Alan Wiley was "unfit" to ref a top match after the 2-2 Sunderland draw at home last month.

But last night he was right to be furious at Atkinson for awarding a foul against Darren Fletcher and then not spotting Didier Drogba's offence on Wes Brown from the resulting free- kick that led to a winner claimed by John Terry but later attributed to Nicolas Anelka amidst justified claims that Drogba, who was in an off-side position, clearly interfered with play.

Sick

"It is hard to take. It is sickening actually," blasted Ferguson.

"First of all Fletcher has won the ball clearly and Drogba has pulled Brown to the ground at the free-kick.

"The referee is in a terrible position. He cannot see anything. He has a Chelsea player standing in front of him and he doesn't move.

"It is really hard to take. I think the players have lost faith a wee bit in refereeing today.

"Darren clearly won the ball and Ashley Cole has jumped up in the air. Wes was fouled. But the referee couldn't see that from the position he was in."

The United boss believes the champions will now have the bit between their teeth for the rest of the campaign.

Criticised

"It is not an unassailable lead, that's for sure. This was a reminder of what a very good team we are. We have been criticised recently but that won't deter us now as we have a cause and we want to win the league."

Fletcher also believes he is suffering for Arsene Wenger's comments after the Arsenal match at Old Trafford in September when the Gunners' boss claimed one United player went around fouling and was getting away with it.

The Reds' midfielder wasn't publicly named by the Frenchman but nobody was left in any doubt to whom he was directing the accusations.

"It was clearly not a foul. I knew at the time and I have watched it again on the replay. I back-heeled the ball and Cole just jumps up in the air and the ref gives a foul," said Fletcher.

"I think we are starting to see Mr Wenger's comments starting to influence referees which is a shame really.

"Now we have to raise our game and ensure these decisions are not affecting the game."