Composed: Cristiano Ronaldo did not react to
ball-boy incident
Webb stepped in following an incident late in the first
half when a ball-boy threw the ball at, rather than to, Ronaldo as
he was about to take a corner for Manchester United during their
1-0 victory at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The Portugal winger – later sent off for a second bookable
offence – earned the admiration of the match officials for not
reacting to the aggressive gesture.
Linesman Peter Kirkup was closest to the incident but it was
also spotted by Webb, who noticed that it was followed by a round
of applause and a cheer from City fans crowded around the corner
flag.
Webb delegated fourth official Lee Mason to speak to City
officials at half-time and their subsequent warning to the
ball-boys was heeded in the second half.
There were murmurs of protest over Ronaldo's red card after he
jumped to handle a Wayne Rooney corner. United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson claimed later that the Portugal winger thought he had
heard a whistle to stop play.
It is understood Webb was unaware of such an explanation until
after the game, having not heard any rogue whistle from the crowd.
Had he done so, the South Yorkshire referee would have been
prepared to waive the second caution.
The fact that United went on to win, courtesy of Rooney's goal,
curtailed any lingering controversy.
Childs play
The Manchester derby wasn't the first time a ball-boy went
beyond the call of duty for his club. As YouTube proves.
Ball-boy causes
controversy in Brazil after scoring a goal.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vQx2_KQVkpI
The naughty White Hart
Lane ball-boy.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-gUgPkJ76x8
Sometimes, we guess, you
just can't be bothered.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kJIdlj7VtiQ
Sweet Ball Boy... little
shite!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW1myB_CBWQ&feature=related