Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has rapped Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pards says Fergie was wrong to attack Swansea City defender Ashley Williams after he launched the ball at the head of Robin van Persie.

Pardew, whose side travel to Old Trafford today, said: "The Van Persie one is not as bad as Alex thought.

"It can look worse from the sidelines - I'm not sure any action will be taken.

"But certainly with regards to elbows and off-the-ball incidents, it's good that the FA have brought in retrospective action.

"I don't think it's significant that United dropped points on Sunday.

"That's slightly insulting to Alex - he felt that at the time and you need to protect your players."