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With all amateur football cancelled over the weekend due to the persistent cold weather, all eyes, including mine, turned to the professional game, and two events of real significance. The first was played out not on the field of play, but in the warmth and comfort of the press conference as Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez launched an incredible, yet calculated and prepared verbal assault on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Mr.Benitez, following  claims that his team may begin to feel nervous as the title race enters its final phase, responded with claims of his own that Mr.Ferguson not only undermines referees, both verbally and by intimidatory methods, but also that he wields far too much power in the corridors of English football. He expanded on this further with examples of Mr.Ferguson's transgressions, and the FA's reluctance to punish him. Watching him talk evoked memories of Kevin Keegan's famous rant when he so famously buckled under the weight and pressure of Sir Alex's mind games. Yet this was far more calculated, as the prepared list Rafa produced will testify. And, having re-read what was actually said on Friday, one cannot fail to feel a grudging respect for Rafa Benitez for he has done what so many have failed to do and that is to stand up to Sir.Alex Ferguson. Whether this bravery and fortitude will amount to anything is another matter for the Manchester United boss is an immensely powerful figure, and it is unlikely that his position in the domestic game will be under threat after this affair. But we must respect Rafa Benitez for the stand he has made, and hope that his comments aren't treated as simply the ramblings of a man under pressure, but that of a man who has spoken the truth.

The other event which caused alarm was played out on the field of play, and concerned one of Fergie's star players. Few can argue that Wayne Rooney is not one of the finest footballers currently plying their trade in the Premier League. Yet his attitude towards officials is poor at its best, and disgusting at worst. At times yesterday he treated the referee  as if he had caught him going through his sock draw in his expensive Cheshire mansion. Even allowing for the pressure and white-hot atmosphere of a United-Chelsea clash, surely he must be held to account for the foul and abusive language he so loves to direct at the men in black. Following the Ashley Cole affair last season when he famously turned his back on the referee, it goes to show that some of  the top players have little if no respect for the men in the middle. And that brings us neatly back to the comments from Rafa Benitez's   press conference when he stated that Sir Alex was killing referee's with his comments. Watching yesterday's match, it seems he isn't alone, and he has some willing accomplices. And if the referee has little or no power on the pitch to deal with dissent, how can we expect anybody to take them serious off it?.