Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Swansea City defender Ashley Williams nearly killed Robin van Persie when he kicked a ball into the back of the Dutchman’s head after play had already been stopped for a foul during the 1-1 draw between United and Swansea at Liberty Stadium.

"In the Van Persie situation you can clearly see that he could have been killed,” Ferguson said. “That was the most dangerous thing I've seen on a football field for many years." The English Football Association has since said it will not take further action against Williams, who was booked for the incident at the time by referee Michael Oliver.

Premier League coaches were divided by Williams’ actions. "You see the incident and it is a very, very dangerous situation,” Wigan Athletic coach Roberto Martinez said. “If you see one of your players with a bang on the back of the head, it is really dangerous and it can have bad consequences."

Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers said, "I think more has been made of it than what it actually was." Queens Park Rangers’ Harry Redknapp defended Williams, saying, "I don't see how he was going to be killed, he kicked the ball at him. I have seen worse things on a football pitch."