Offside rule 'stupid' for McFadden

Birmingham attacker James McFadden branded the offside rule "stupid" after his team were denied a famous win over Manchester United.

The champions grabbed a point when Scott Dann turned the ball past goalkeeper Joe Hart under pressure from Wayne Rooney for United's second half leveller in the 1-1 draw on Saturday – which was initially disallowed for offside.

Referee Mark Clattenburg overturned his assistant's decision, insisting since Rooney didn't touch the ball he was inactive.

But McFadden insists Rooney's presence made him active and added the goal should have been ruled out.

He said: "I wouldn't say it's a bad decision, but it's a stupid law and a stupid rule. The linesman flagged for Rooney being offside but because he never touched it, it doesn't count.

"If he is not there then Scott Dann doesn't touch the ball so it's a stupid rule."

Cameron Jerome had put Alex McLeish's side ahead just before the break despite United dominating at St Andrew's and McFadden believed they weren't scared of the champions.

He said: "I don't think we showed them too much respect, I just don't think we started particularly well. It was nothing to do with being in awe of Manchester United.

"Most of the games we've played this season we've got at teams and had a go because we've got belief in ourselves."

The point kept Birmingham eighth in the Premier League on goal difference, but they are now level on 33 points with seventh-placed Liverpool thanks to their record 12-game unbeaten run in the top flight.

McFadden said: "It's been a great couple of months, the run keeps going. The boys are disappointed we didn't win the game.

"It's an open league and that's summed up by how far we're up the table. We've managed to draw against teams at the top of the league.

"It gives us confidence and keeps the run going."