Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo claims referee Howard Webb ignored his protests and was influenced by the home supporters for his second yellow card and subsequent sending off against Manchester City. The Portuguese star said: "Rooney took the corner, I jumped and that was when I heard a shout from (Micah) Richards and simultaneously the sound of a whistle.
"At that moment I was convinced the referee had blown for a foul. I stopped trying to head the ball and score a goal and I grabbed the ball so that Richards could get help.
"It never entered my mind that the referee would show me a yellow card because for me I had not done anything wrong. To the contrary after Richards yelled I thought he was hurt and needed assistance.
"I heard the whistle, so I took the initiative and stopped the match.
"I understood the referee wanted to talk to me but maybe influenced by the fans, he put his hand in his pocket and sent me off.
"I tried to explain what happened but he did not want to listen."