Battle of the Buffet
The match programme cover, featuring defender Gabriel Heinze
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| Event | 2004–05 FA Premier League | ||||||
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| Date | 24 October 2004 | ||||||
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester | ||||||
| Man of the Match | Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) | ||||||
| Referee | Mike Riley (West Yorkshire) | ||||||
| Attendance | 67,862 | ||||||
| Weather | Light rain showers, Scattered clouds 14 °C (57 °F) |
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The "Battle of the Buffet" is a name used by the British press to refer to a Premier League match played between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 24 October 2004. The match saw a series of unprofessional fouls that were overlooked by referee Mike Riley, such as Rio Ferdinand on Fredrik Ljungberg in the 19th minute and striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's studs-up challenge on Ashley Cole. Arsenal dictated much of the early play and created several openings, but as the game progressed Manchester United threatened. The home team were awarded a controversial penalty in the 73rd minute, as Wayne Rooney tumbled over Sol Campbell's outstretched leg. Van Nistelrooy converted the penalty kick and late in the game Rooney scored for 2–0. The result ended Arsenal's record-breaking 49-match unbeaten run.
In the tunnel after the match tempers boiled over between staff of both clubs. It was alleged that pizza had been thrown at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by an unidentified Arsenal player; speculation later arose that it was Cesc Fàbregas, but this has never been confirmed. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was furious in his post-match briefing, criticising Riley for his performance and describing Van Nistelrooy as a cheat. His comments were investigated by the Football Association, who later fined him £15,000 for improper conduct. Van Nistelrooy was retroactively banned for three matches as his challenge on Cole was missed by Riley.
The result was pivotal in the league season and in the rivalry between the two clubs. Arsenal's form suffered as a result; having entered the match as league leaders they found themselves five points behind Chelsea in December. Manchester United struggled for consistency and finished behind Arsenal in third. Both clubs later met each other in the Football League Cup quarter finals and FA Cup final. Ferguson, following his retirement in 2013, said that he considered the "Battle of the Buffet" to be a watershed moment for Wenger as it disorientated his management and put a strain on their relationship.
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