London, Jan 24 (ANI): Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Manchester City star Carlos Tevez should be banned from Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final showdown at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United manager is adamant Tevez should have been sent off in City’s 2-1 first leg triumph over their bitter rivals at Eastlands.

Referee Mike Dean did not even caution the Argentine match-winner for a lunge on United defender Wes Brown, News of the World reports.

Fergie said: “Tevez should have been sent off, really. Have you seen that tackle? He went right over the ball. But he didn’t even get booked.”

A red card would have meant an automatic three-match ban for the former United striker, who has been at the centre of controversy ever since the two sides were drawn to play each other in the semi-final.

United skipper Gary Neville had also accused Tevez of not being worth 25 million pounds and insisted Ferguson was right to let him join City in the summer.

Tevez hit back by taunting both Ferguson and Neville on the pitch after his two goals clinched City’s win and then branded the defender “stupid” and “a bootlicker.”

United are beefing up security ahead of Wednesday’s clash. Police fear trouble will erupt between the two sets of supporters and have cancelled all leave for their officers on the day. (ANI)