Rafa Benitez rages at Sir Alex Ferguson

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has launched an astonishing attack on his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. The Spaniard claimed United boss Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished" for outspoken attacks on referees. Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the Football Association about the respect campaign. "And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was killing the referees, killing Martin Atkinson, killing Keith Hackett. Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is expected to return to Barclays Premier League action for the first time since November when Liverpool travel to Stoke. Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to be involved as he recovers from a hamstring problem, but Javier Mascherano has overcome an ankle knock sustained at Preston in the FA Cup last weekend. Fabio Aurelio is expected to return at left-back, with teenager Emiliano Insua on international duty with Argentina Under-20s. Midfielder Xabi Alonso has been ruled out with a foot injury, while veteran defender Sami Hyypia will make the 700th appearance of his club career if he figures at the Britannia Stadium.

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ITN | January 9, 2009

Tags:. .fullback. .xabi. .spaniard. .hackett. .hamstring