LONDON (AP)

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez launched a blistering attack yesterday on Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson, denouncing his outspoken attacks on referees and complaints over scheduling.

"Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens," Benitez said calmly, reading from a prepared statement at Liverpool's training ground.

"We need to know that I am talking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week."

While Benitez also voiced his frustration with Liverpool's American owners about the slow progress in negotiations over a new contract, Ferguson was the main target of his annoyance.

The Spaniard suggested that Ferguson's constant complaints about fixture congestion are a sign of nerves because Liverpool currently lead the defending champions by seven points.

Benitez also complained that the Football Association has been too lenient when dealing with Ferguson's attacks on referees, despite the launch of a high-profile 'Respect' campaign aimed at improving behaviour toward officials.

respect the referees

"We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and FA about the 'Respect' campaign and I was very clear: Forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees.

"But he is not punished. How can you talk about the 'Respect' campaign and criticise the referee every single week?"

Liverpool lead Chelsea atop the Premier League standings by three points with United four points further adrift, albeit with two games in hand.

Ferguson, who has been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986, said last week the club's title defence was being "handicapped by the Premier League" because of United having away games during the first half of the season against nine of the 10 teams that finished directly below them last season.

"He is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United," Ferguson said. "But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table. It is a fantastic advantage," he added.