Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says there are no excuses for Paul Scholes' dismissal in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Scholes was dismissed for a thigh-high lunge on Pablo Zabaleta as United tried to fight their way back into the clash at Wembley.
The red card proved costly, with City holding on to win 1-0 to end their arch-rivals' treble bid and reach their first cup final for 30 years.
Ferguson insisted Scholes' sending off "didn't kill the game" because the 10 men piled on the pressure in the closing stages.
But he added: "We've seen over his career Paul has had unbelievable moments - he's one of the greatest players this club has ever had.
"But he has his red-mist moments - he caught the boy on the thigh."
