Patrick Vieira
Manchester City executive, Patrick Vieira believes title rivals
Manchester United and other big clubs benefit from key refereeing
decisions at home.
His comments come two days after visitors Fulham were controversially
denied a late penalty in their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
The result left United three points clear at the top of the league.
"When United play at home they get some advantage that other teams don't get," Vieira told BBC Sport.
"I think when you go to United, Madrid, Barcelona, or Milan, when the
referees referee these kind of games, it's always difficult to go
against these kind of teams.
"This is the way it is.
"It's something the teams who are used to winning get all the time, so
we need to win games so we have this advantage in the future."
With eight games left, City find themselves three points behind United,
but Vieira - who took up a post as football development executive at
Eastlands after retiring from playing - believes they would be worthy
champions.
Speaking on behalf of Football Against Hunger, Vieira said: "This is our moment.
"Since the start of the season we've been the best team and played the best football.
"I believe the club deserves it."
However, Vieira, who has only heard about the Fulham incident and has
yet to see it, also admitted that United are in pole position to claim a
second successive title.
"When you are first you have the advantage, they are favourites" he said.
Vieira recently said that United's decision to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement was a sign of weakness.
In response, Sir Alex Ferguson accused City of an act of desperation
when allowing Carlos Tevez to play despite going on strike.
Vieira said: "We're glad Carlos is back. The quality of these kind of
players will be really important at this stage of the season.
"The issue was between him and the club. The players were really pleased to see him back.
"Its important not to lose focus, so many things can happen.
"People try to build this fire between the clubs. The heat is going to get more and more."
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