Sir Alex Ferguson has sprung to David Beckham's defence after the Manchester United star spat towards a referee.

The midfielder spat on the ground near to referee Markus Merk after being booked during United's 3-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven.

Beckham showed his anger after being given a yellow card for dissent by the German official but escaped without further punishment.

The influential player had started on the bench - along with Ronny Johnsen, Ryan Giggs, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham - but was brought on in the last 20 minutes.

The evening still saw PSV inflict United's heaviest Champions League defeat since they lost to Gothenburg in November 1994.

Beckham's display of frustration came at the end of the game after United tried but failed to stage a comeback.

United manager Ferguson said: "It's understandable. They get frustrated with the referee.

"The referee is supposed to be at the top of his job - that's the reputation he's got.

"But we didn't get a lot of help from the referee in protecting the players."

Merk did not comment on the incident after the game and it is unlikely that UEFA's disciplinary committee will take further action.

Despite his side's victory, PSV coach Eric Gerets backed United to top the group.

United have slipped from pole position to third in Group G following their first defeat of the season and now trail leaders PSV by two points.

However, Gerets claims PSV, Anderlecht and Dynamo Kiev will still have to fight it out for the second qualifying berth.

He said: "Manchester United will go on and it will be a big fight, a big battle between Kiev, Anderlecht and us.

"I hope this result will create a little bit of doubt in Manchester United's minds, but I don't think it will.

"I'm very pleased, but this result will only be a good result for us if we go on and qualify for the second round."

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