MIDDLESBROUGH'S Franck Queudrue has become the latest name to accuse match officials of showing favouritism towards Manchester United and Arsenal when the Premiership giants are in action on their own turf.

Speaking after Saturday's 4-1 hammering at Arsenal, the French defender was annoyed by the number of yellow cards dished out by referee Mike Dean at Highbury.

Five players - which includes a second yellow card handed to George Boateng which resulted in him being sent off - were booked by Mr Dean in North London.

Add to those the cautions picked up by Queudrue, Danny Mills and Juninho in last week's Carling Cup semi-final, the total number amounts to eight in two games - in stark contrast to Arsenal who did not receive one.

Queudrue claims the fact the games were played at Arsenal were a big factor in the referee's decision making.

Earlier this month, Alan Shearer was denied a penalty at Old Trafford, Paul Durkin admitting later he should have awarded a spot-kick after Manchester United keeper Tim Howard upended the Magpies' striker in the box.

And Queudrue, who revealed Boro's disappointment that Boateng will now miss the games with Blackburn and Man. United next month, conceded such decisions are what players expect when they travel to the top two sides in the country.

"There will be decisions which the referee regrets but he is only human," said Queudrue.

"But if you look at the two games we have played here we have had seven or eight players booked.

"I think in the balance of things they can do what they want when they are at home. That happens all the time at places like this. Even Shearer, when he went to Old Trafford, should have had a penalty and he didn't get one.

"I think it's many years since Manchester United last conceded and then had a penalty scored against them at home (Ruel Fox for Norwich in 1993)."

He added: "George is frustrated because I think the first card (for dissent) was a bit harsh. The second was true because it was a hard tackle on Parlour.

"I know George very well and I know he has played the ball, he wouldn't play the man. He went for the ball making a big challenge. If you ask Parlour he will say that George played the ball and missed."

Despite being disappointed, Queudrue now has his sights on making sure Boro qualify for one final on Wednesday night.

And the former Lens left-back, who was played as a centre-back on Saturday, is delighted they will finally have the chance to take on Arsene Wenger's side at the Riverside.

"It's a completely different game," said Queudrue, who is hoping to help Boro extend their slender one-goal first-leg lead. "It will be at home for the first time in four games this month and I'll be glad to see the back of this place."

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