Fergie: Ronaldo in danger of getting kicked out of football

Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on "weak referees" who are putting Cristiano Ronaldo at risk of sustaining serious injury.

The double footballer of the year starts a three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

The Manchester United boss has no complaint about the red card but believes his player was provoked by heavy challenges that went unpunished by referee Steve Bennett.

Ferguson said today: "My fear is, and I don't whether there is a directive, but maybe referees are a bit more tolerant of physical contact. I've noticed in the past few months - late challenges are going unpunished. I thought these were black and white. Late challenges are not allowed.

"We saw it again on Wednesday, the referee letting it go unpunished time and time again. If you have got weak referees you are going to be suffering.There is a concern players like Ronaldo are going to be the victims . . . because it will end up with someone getting a serious injury."

Ronaldo was dismissed for a headbutt in the 1-1 draw and Ferguson added: "It's very difficult to completely punish Ronaldo or be angry with him. Some of the things happening to him are not right."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger supported Ferguson, saying: "It's a good worry to have. Players need protection."