LONDON: Sir Alex Ferguson launched a furious attack on referee Martin Atkinson after his decision to award a controversial free-kick sent Manchester United crashing to a 1-0 defeat at title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

Atkinson ruled Darren Fletcher's 76th-minute challenge on Ashley Cole was worthy of a foul even though the Scot appeared to win the ball and, from the resulting Frank Lampard set-piece, John Terry headed in the winner.

Ferguson's side is now five points behind leaders Chelsea and the United manager, who also claimed Didier Drogba fouled Wes Brown at the free-kick, had no doubts Atkinson was to blame for his team's third defeat of the season.