Soccer:Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said Robin van Persie "could have been killed" after accusing Swansea captain Ashley Williams of deliberately kicking a ball at the striker's head from close range in today's Premier League game at the Liberty Stadium.

With Van Persie falling to the ground after he was fouled on the edge of the area, Williams cleared the ball into the back of the Dutchman’s head from close range.

Van Persie reacted angrily and squared up to Williams with referee Michael Oliver electing to book both players.

Ferguson was furious tougher action was not taken by the official and has called on the English Football Association to ban the Wales international.

“The Van Persie situation you can clearly see that he could have been killed,” said Ferguson.

“The FA has got to look into it regardless that he has been given a yellow card. He should be banned for a long time because that was the most dangerous thing I’ve seen on a football field for many years.

“It was absolutely deliberate. The whistle has gone, the game has stopped and he has done that right in front of the referee, he could have killed the lad.

“It was a disgraceful act by the player, he should banned for a long time.”

Williams however looked to downplay the incident.

“I tried to clear the ball it hit him on the head. “I was trying to clear the ball. He was obviously a bit angry about that. It was a much ado about nothing.”