• ‘He’s definitely the best referee in the country,’ says Ferguson
• Webb has given United three penalties in last four home games

Sir Alex Ferguson has gone against the Football Association’s guidelines not to talk about referees before matches by welcoming Howard Webb’s appointment to Manchester United’s match against Chelsea and speaking of his hope that “it’s our turn for a little bit of luck” from the officials.

As part of the FA’s Respect campaign, managers are not supposed to discuss referees in the buildup to games. However, Ferguson believes his side have been the victim of some poor decisions in their recent matches against Chelsea and was open about his concerns that it might happen again. “That’s definitely our big fear, to be honest with you. Other than that, we have the players to do it all right.”

Webb has awarded United a penalty in three of the past four games he has officiated at Old Trafford and Ferguson made a point of talking up the Yorkshireman. “He’s definitely the best referee in the country, there’s no doubt about that. We are getting the best referee and we hope it’s our turn for a little bit of luck.”

The United manager is still aggrieved about Martin Atkinson’s performance when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in March, Chelsea coming from a goal down to win 2-1 on a night when Ferguson felt refereeing decisions had swung the game in favour of the champions.

Ferguson was subsequently banned from the touchline for five matches after castigating Atkinson in a post-match interview, saying he should never have been appointed because the occasion had demanded a “fair” referee.

“The result against us was a change for them [Chelsea],” he said. “We all know the circumstances of that game. That game gave them their lift, from being out of the game to winning it. And, of course, us losing on Sunday has opened the door for them.”

Sir Alex FergusonHoward WebbRefereesChelseaPremier LeagueDaniel Taylorguardian.co.uk

• Staff member breaks leg after Champions League defeat
• Reports say Terry spoke to police and took a breath test

The Chelsea captain John Terry was involved in an accident which resulted in one of the club’s security staff suffering a broken leg after the Champions League defeat to Internazionale last night. Sky have reported that Terry was later given a breath test by the police.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a collision and reported the victim suffering a broken leg. “Police were called at 23.13pm on Tuesday, 16 March to Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6 to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian,” said the police.

“A 35-year-old man suffering a broken leg was taken by ambulance to a west London hospital where he is in a stable condition. The 4×4 car did not stop at the scene. Enquiries into the incident continue.”

The players’ spokesman, Phil Hall said: “John was coming out of the car park and he was surrounded by paparazzi photographers. He was not driving very fast and a security guard waved him through.

“There were some fans there and they were telling the photographers to get out of the way. John had no idea that he had hit the man, until he received a phone call from the club an hour or so later. John volunteered to go to the police station, and was breathalised in his home at 1.30am.”

Terry was not aware of the injury at the time but spoke to the police and the member of staff when he was made aware of the incident.

A Chelsea spokesman said: “We can confirm there was an unfortunate accident as John Terry left Stamford Bridge last night.

“When driving out of the stadium at approximately 1-2mph in a queue of traffic exiting the ground, his car was surrounded by photographers and fans.

“In the melee that ensued a member of Chelsea’s security staff was knocked to the ground, making contact with the car. He suffered a badly bruised leg.

“John was aware at the time that there was a lot of contact with his car during the incident, but not that anyone was injured as a result.

“Upon hearing of the injury, John spoke to the police. He has also been in contact with the staff member to check on his welfare.”

John TerryChelseaguardian.co.uk