LONDON: Swansea defender Ashley Williams will not face the Football Association charge after Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson slammed the Wales star for kicking the ball into Robin van Persie’s head.
Williams earned a stinging rebuke from Ferguson after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium following the second half clash with van Persie.
The United forward was lying prone on the turf following a foul when Williams kicked the ball into the back of the Dutchman’s head.
Ferguson called on the English Football Association to ban the Swansea centre-back, who was booked for the incident by referee Michael Oliver.
“He (van Persie) could have been killed. Williams should be banned for a long time, Ferguson said.
“It was absolutely deliberate. The whistle has gone, the game has stopped and he has done that right in front of the referee. It was a disgraceful act.”
But it is believed the English FA will not instigate disciplinary procedures against the 18-year-old, who denied malicious intent.
After the match, Williams said: “I tried to clear the ball it hit him on the head. I was trying to clear the ball. He was obviously a bit angry about that. It was a much ado about nothing.”
Asked about Ferguson’s reaction, Williams told the Daily Telegraph: “It’s his opinion, he’s entitled to it. I understand why Van Persie was angry but I’ve kicked the ball away in frustration, I wasn’t trying to hit him in the head.
“I tried to say sorry but he wasn’t having it. I haven’t spoken to him since the game and I didn’t shake hands afterwards, but only because I didn’t see him. As far as I’m concerned, it’s no big deal.
“If I had tried to hit him on the head deliberately, I would have missed! It’s not like I’m going to shoot and hit him square in the head like that.”
Meanwhile, Williams was backed by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who was his boss at Swansea.
“I think more has been made of it than what it actually was,” Rodgers said.
“When you slow it down and look at it 20 times it does not look good for Ashley.
“But I know the player well and it is just that split-second when you can see he is trying to clear the ball and unfortunately hits van Persie right on the back of his head.
“Of course, it looks dangerous but knowing Ashley he won’t have meant it, knowing his character that won’t have been intentional.”
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, who signed Williams for Swansea in 2008, admitted he could understand Ferguson’s reaction but did not believe the player acted out of malicious intent.
“If you see one of your players with a bang on the back of the head it is really dangerous and it can have bad consequences. You can understand that,” Martinez said.
“I signed Ashley Williams for Swansea and I know his character inside out. I can guarantee you without even looking at the incident that he is not a nasty footballer.
“He is a winner and fully committed, a leader and a captain. When you sign a player you find out about a player and I can guarantee you he is not the type of footballer who would do that on purpose.”
QPR boss Harry Redknapp, speaking ahead of his side’s Boxing Day clash with West Bromwich Albion tomorrow , said of the incident: “I don’t see how he was going to be killed.
“He kicked the ball at him. I have seen worse things on a football pitch.”
However, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, whose side face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day tomorrow, said he understood Ferguson’s reaction but that the Red Devils boss might not be so angry with hindsight.
“If one of your players gets hurt or you think he was in danger, you are going to protect him,” said Pardew, yesterday.
AFP/AGENCIES
