Ref Mark Clattenburg stands by his dismissal of Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham City.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Fletcher's sending off in the 1-1 draw at Birmingham as "soft" and "ridiculous".

But Clattenburg said: "He was cautioned before half-time for a foul. Then he cynically tripped the Birmingham player."

Fletcher was booked for upending Lee Bowyer, then stuck out a foot to catch Cameron Jerome.

Fergie snapped: "The sending off was ridiculous. I've been watching Mark Clattenburg this season.

"You'll not see a softer sending off than that."

FA chiefs have confirmed they are studying Fergie's post-match blast.