Ferguson, Benitez told their verbal duel has put the 'game in gutter'

English Premier League Managers' Association chief Richard Bevan has stepped in to try to defuse the situation between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez by handing them an ultimatum to quit their war of words.

The Manchester United and Liverpool bosses were told their battle has put the game in the gutter.

The clash reached crisis point on last Friday when Ferguson accused Benitez of being rude and arrogant for calling Everton a small club and for a gesture he made during Liverpool's win over Blackburn.

On Monday Ferguson refused to back down and said: "I made my point about it. I don't understand why he did it. "I don't want to go on about it any more. I made my point. There is no point carrying it on. It's plain for everybody to see now. I have made my issue about it."

Ferguson says a crossed-hand gesture by Benitez suggested it was 'game over' when the Kop scored their second in a 4-0 win over Blackburn 10 days ago.

Liverpool claim Benitez was merely making the gesture at himself after his players ignored his instructions and still scored, The Sun reported.

It was put to Ferguson that Liverpool was upset about the accusations. The United boss said: "I am sure they are."

The row between the two has been going on since Benitez blew his top about Ferguson's claims about fixtures and referees.

In a January Press conference, Benitez pulled out a piece of paper and reeled of a list of facts in a bid to put Ferguson straight. Fergie called the rant 'disturbed'.