Manchester City ball-boys warned after Ronaldo incident
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Manchester City ball-boys warned after Cristiano Ronaldo incident in derby
Referee Howard Webb warned Manchester City about the behaviour of their ball-boys after Cristiano Ronaldo had the ball hurled at him during Sunday's derby match against Manchester United at Eastlands.
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!