FERGIE REF ROW COULD HEAD FOR COURT
Referees still fuming despite apology
COMMISSION DISHES OUT FERGIE PUNISHMENT
United boss is hit with four-game ban, two of which are suspended.
ANGRY refs have SNUBBED Sir Alex Ferguson's apology to Alan Wiley.
The Manchester United boss has said sorry for his blast at the ref after last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
But last night the referees' union Prospect threatened to SUE Fergie after his statement also seemed to question the fitness of all refs.
They are furious that Fergie appeared to question the fitness of ALL referees in his statement.
Alan Leighton, national secretary of Prospect, insists Ferguson's response only "cranked up" his apparent belief that referees like Wiley are not fit enough to do their job.
And Leighton told the Sport of the World: "If the FA don't satisfy us, we would have to take legal advice. Any issue of defamation would be against Sir Alex."
But he warned that the ref's union would also demand a showdown with the FA about their disciplinary system if Fergie is cleared on the basis of a statement they refuse to accept.
Leighton insists the Red Devils chief should still be hit with a UEFA-style coaching ban.
He claimed all referees were affronted by Ferguson's attack - and not just Wiley, who almost quit in disgust over the outburst which followed his handling of last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
A ProZone analysis proved Fergie wrong, showing that only seven players in the game ran further than Wiley.
But the select group of Premier League officials are fearful that the FA will now let Fergie off the hook, leaving them open to further tirades.
Leighton said: "We're very anxious not to have this seen as Referees v Sir Alex Ferguson, but he doesn't help himself in many ways.
"It looks good in that he says he has always respected Alan Wiley's integrity and has never said he was biased or a bad ref.
"But he doesn't withdraw his remark about Alan not being fit or apologise for it. And saying a referee is not fit is actually questioning his integrity.
"A key component of refereeing is being fit, so Sir Alex has questioned his integrity. And I'm surprised he hasn't realised that.
"Further, he's now making aspersions about other referees, suggesting they are not fit.
"He doesn't seem to understand the enormity of what he is saying here. If they are not fit then they can't be fit to referee.
"What Sir Alex appears to be trying to do is to say he has apologised and therefore that should be the end of the matter. But what he's done is crank it up.
"He mentions referees' fitness as a serious and important issue. By saying that, he has widened the debate.
"Alan Wiley will find it very difficult in his next game.
"How long before the chant goes up, 'You're not fit to referee'?
"Other referees will now come under the same spotlight, as they are already doing on message boards."
Referees were pushing for Fergie not just to be fined and handed a touchline ban but also to be prevented from carrying out team talks before a game and at half-time, a punishment handed down by UEFA to Jose Mourinho during his Chelsea days.
"We hope there's a meaningful punishment," said Leighton. "This is a huge topic and it isn't going to go away on this partial apology. I'd be very disappointed if the FA duck the issue.
"Should that happen, we would want to talk to them about tightening the punishment system in future."
Leighton added: "One of the issues is whether there has been defamation. We haven't gone to the lawyers yet. We're still hoping for a full and proper apology. And we're still waiting to see what the FA do before going down that route."
FA chiefs are now likely to be forced into convening an emergency session tomorrow.
To a man, referees and their bosses are disgusted with the inadequacy of Ferguson's statement and his apparent slur on all officials.
Apology
Ferguson, who only last month was seen laughing and joking on the touchline with fourth official Wiley during the Manchester derby, believes his apology goes far enough.
In it he said: "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused - and to the FA for going public with my views.
"In retrospect, I accept that this could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate forum.
"It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media attention on Mr Wiley. I intend to contact him personally after I return from a trip overseas during this international break.
"I would wish it to be noted that I have always respected Mr Wiley's integrity and that I did not state or imply that he is a bad referee, in any way biased or that his decision-making generally during the game was poor or that he missed any key incident during the game.
"My only intention in speaking publicly, was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever increasing demands of the game.
"Which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels."
It is the final part of the apology that has infuriated refs.
One Premier League official said last night: "We were disappointed with Sir Alex's accusation. It annoyed referees as a group for a factually inaccurate statement to be made. That's why it has created such a reaction."
They regard Ferguson's partial climb-down as "not even a hollow victory". A source said: "There's no victory for us here. And if there is no disciplinary action, where is the deterrent to stop comments like these being made in the future?
"There is a wider concern here. Apart from threatening to drive experienced referees out of the game, comments like these discourage younger referees from pursuing a career as an official.
"We need people to take up the whistle and they must be able to see that football will look after them properly."
Wiley could not be contacted for comment last night. He appears to have decided to maintain a dignified silence.
Please note: All comments are moderated.
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This article has 72 comments
dunoo
By ydufivbn.. Posted February 28 2010 at 2:03 PM.
Managers always blame the referees when their teams lost, never when their teams win. It is a pity to see Sir Alex behaving like a spoil brat boy.
By Jonathan.. Posted October 16 2009 at 4:00 PM.
Wiley is unfit. Fergie was probably upset at the yellow card given to scholes, I couldn't believe it myself, especially when looking at the stats after watching the game. Bardsley, Cattermole & Richardson commited 4 fouls and Bent 3 for sunderland, whilst for United Berbatov was the highest player with 3 fouls commited and Scholes commited one foul yet picked up an instant yellow. Wiley's fitness obviously has to be taken into consideration if he's making poor decisions because of the state of his fitness.
By Fraser.. Posted October 12 2009 at 4:11 PM.
That refs should make mistakes that lead teams to lose points, trophies and even get relegated and have nobody criticize their ineptitude? Spare me the agony. If they r in the public realm, then they have to behave right or face the jury in SAF. The blunders from refs are too much.
By rene, nairobi.. Posted October 12 2009 at 1:01 PM.
When you get to the top and there is no-one who can question your comments, you become a bully in the workplace. Alex Ferguson is a typical vile BULLY and he should be brought to book like all bullies.I hope the FA have the courage.
By R Hodgson.. Posted October 12 2009 at 11:35 AM.
Why does a manager like Alex Ferguson, so successful, such a good track record. risk his credibility by making such crass remarks. Surely as a Knight of the Realm, he should think of the consequences before opening that famous mouth of his.
By Dave.. Posted October 12 2009 at 1:12 AM.
Well we have all learnt one thing from this. The man u fans CANT SPELL! lol. Must be encouraging for manure to know the illiterates are on his side.
By james.. Posted October 12 2009 at 12:17 AM.
What a lot of rubbish i read here especially from scoope? nugget!
Sir Alex is a passionate manager and always has been. He has worked wonders in both the SPL and EPL over his illustrious career to everyone in football he is a world class manager and a decent person. Ok he looses his head sometimes but so does EVERYONE! Why dont these idiots who are jumping on the lets punish SAF bandwagon GET A LIFE and go back to supporting their second rate teams ie city,lpool ect...
By Steve B.. Posted October 12 2009 at 12:16 AM.
SINCE WHEN REFS GOT RESPECT? THE WORLD IS LAUGHING AT THE FA FOR THREATENING TO TAKE THIS TO COURT... SIR ALEX TRIED TO CALM THINGS DOWN BUT SOON HE WILL STICK 2 FINGERS TO THE REF'S ASSOCIATION AND TO WHOM EVER ELSE DOES NOT LIKE HIM STATING THE OBVIOUS.
THREATS CAN ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE AND WE THE FANS ARE READY TO BACK OUR CLUB AND OUR BELOVED MANAGER- WATCH OUT
By red devil.. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:43 PM.
well benitez was right after all. The FA doesn't have the balls to stand up to him or Manure becuase will say the truth about the last 18 years!!!
By shalwaad.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:15 PM.
Finally the refs have realised this man has always had them wrapped around his little finger and are now standing up to this idiotic hypocrite.
Let justice prevail!!
By ricky.. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:35 PM.
@ BLIZZBLIZZTHEBLIZZARD they accused hi son of poaching players and then they were proved wrong, they never apologized publicly so he stuck two fingers up at the BBC and rightly so. If they apologize he will give interviews, the sun don't shine out the BBC's ass so think about it. Why give them airtime and where is the compensation. 1 minutes comments or a 30 min programme on the BBC saying u are what ur not. Yes lol through the book at him, punish him and Mark Hughes for saying they cant keep the time. As for Rafa the RANT LFC, WTF, this guy should be sectioned. He should follow Alonso and get the F off our telly. Anoying man who his in his own world. Misser Furgason is his obsession.
By Dave.. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:30 PM.
If a player gets punished for making discrediting remarks about a referee's performance,why can't a manager be subjected to the same punishment? SAF is not above the law.
By ME Annan.. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:07 PM.
For many years refs have always been intimidated at Old trafford, both by Ferguson and fans.
The supposedly apology from a sulking Ferguson over recent events, can not be accepted by any ref.
Judging by the Man Utd fan comments above, they need glasses the same as Ferguson for being short sighted.
Ferguson should now set an example not only to his fans but everybody especially all refs, by offering a plausible and sincere apology, and get rid of his sulking over 2 lost points !
By john barry.. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:59 PM.
grow up wiley,if you can't stand the heat,get off the pitch(paraphrase that!!). i hope the refs and their lawyers have a go at saf,then we will see if there is a vendetta against united or not. because a court of law will be above team loyalties and will reach a decision based on fact and not emotion.
the vitriol and hatred shown to saf should ring alarm bells throughout the premiership,i believe the other managers should get behind him because it could be them next. ole.
By michael hughes.. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:06 PM.
Why are Fergies comments creating such a storm. Methinks these overpaid little Hitlers have had a raw nerve touched. 1st the are assitant refs, not linesmen anymore as they have always been. Then they became pros but got no better. Why did they not react to Rafa pulling out his specs. What would you rather be accused of as a ref, being unfit or being blind? At leat you can do something about your fitness. THE TRUTH HURTS, GUYS!!!
By Simon.. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:29 PM.
as a person who knows sod all about football"[i support arsenal"] referees r a law to them selfes surely its time to have a second electronic ref as in cricket,rugby,ect. ending all arguments as to who's right or wrong.and linesmen should not b dictated to as to what there roll is during a match by the referee.
By .. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:42 PM.
forget that it's ferguson, although he is almost always the main culprit now that jose has gone abroad; the main issue here is the complete lack of respect shown yet again to the match officials. premier league footballers and managers should be setting an example to the kids of today who will become tomorrow's players, but the levels of behaviour are getting increasingly worse. alex ferguson, adebayor, drogba, barry ferguson, cashley cole; the list is endless. when will they realise that kids copy their every move? i'm with the refs on this one; he should give a full unreserved apology and be removed to the stands for the rest of the season.
By BLIZZBLIZZTHEBLIZZARD.. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:40 PM.
Why was this bloke given a knighthood in the first place is a question for most people unless your a MUFC supporter.
He is so arrogant he refuses to give interviews to the BBC after match of the day although he should be legally made to by the Premier League because we as TV license payers pay them to screen the games.
The fact of the matter is his side on the day were second best to Sunderland (I am not a Sunderland supporter by the way) and he had to get some diversionary tactic to deflect his teams poor showing.
The FA should throw the book at him or they may as well scrap the respect campaign.
Also please please will the Referees Association please take this man to Court for the Defamation he has caused to Mr. Wiley and his colleagues.
By Kevin Lawlor.. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:34 PM.
As a few others have pointed out:- lets compare this with Drogba's comments "in the heat of the moment."
The only difference being the Drogba was even more forthright in his assertions and used language that could be described as colourful, while Fergie was more restrained in his statement, but equally scathing.
I seem to remember attacks on Drogba in the press and the boards, while anyone trying to widen the debate and talk about referees accountability was ignored. I suppose now it is Fergie in hot water, we can widen the debate.
If it's good enough for one, it's good enough for everyone. The FA should take a similar line as UEFA did with Drogba - 4 match touchline ban, a fine and with a formal and proper apology.
I'm a Chelsea fan, with my dislike for Man Utd and Fergie it would be nice to see him gone, but lets get real, the most successful manger in the English game does not get booted out on his backside, no matter how many referees demand it.
By Bob.. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:19 PM.
as a Man United Supporter I Jonathan Thinks That Referees should be Sacked Because They get so Many Decisions Wrong in the premiership and That Goes for The Lines men as well Sir Alexs Ferguson has Apologised and That should be The end of The matter and The FA and Uefa should leave Sir Alexs Ferguson alone and let Sir Alexs Ferguson get on with the Job of Managing Our Man United Team Shut Up Referees because you are All Idiots For the Decisions you Make in Every Single match in the premiership and Also The European Champions league as well If Referees can't make Right Decisions then they should be Sacked from The Game and if they are Not Fit to Referee a match Due to Unfitness They should not be Refereeing any games .
Yours Jonathan Lambert Man United Supporter .
By Jonathan Lambert .. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:18 PM.
The referees union! ex refs ....sorry celebraty ex refs (that okay Mr Poll)..all joining bitter blues and satans children scousers by jumping onto the band wagon yet again. No matter what all the aforementioned rave about the FA will make a decision and if SAF is punished then he is punished. He has stated that a middle-aged man of slight rotund statue is not fit enough to keep up with play in a game played by young fit men, untrue? Bring SAF full comments into play and it is a good comment but badly placed, he must know he and MUFC keep Fleet Street and the Media in general in business, we of the true faith welcome all you non believes to our home TTOD enjoy because you strive to match and so far fail.....sing on .....sing on
By smilerp.. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:07 PM.
SAF was right. Has never been wrong and will never be wrong. You Man U haters are just jealous. He is GOD of footballing world. Live with it.
By Turbo.. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:01 PM.
The FA & Refs Talk of respect? what respect are they showing to the lads and girls that died in the world wars, so that the people of this country are free and have freedom of speech. I don't agree with SAF but I agree with his right to say it. Is Wiley saying he is not thick skinned if not, may be he should retire.
By B. Smyth.. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:00 PM.
It is refreshing to finally see that someone or in this case a group are actually willing to take this old cheat to task for his actions. The fact is that Ferguson has not changed since his playin days. His tactics have never changed, He intimidates. It is what he does. The worst thing that can possibly happen here is that the refs back down. Put this idiot in his place for once and for all.
By Joe.. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:51 PM.
ah ah ah ! Who is laughing now? Weeks ago,Wiley was laughing with SAF...a Joke on city? Now he feels like shooting him.Good 4 both of them.
By deola.. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:34 PM.
I don't think that the FA should throw the book at SAF because he will only throw it back!
By Rita Cocking.. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:20 PM.
Ferguson should have been taken care of long ago. It has become a routine thing that whenever he disagrees on something, he takes the law into his hands. I have always wondered how he always gets away with murder. At last, it now seems that someone has said enough is enough. Ferguson should be stopped once and for all.
By Maltese Falcon.. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:00 PM.
True, he made the statement in the heat of the moment, but the sticking point is that he DOES NOT retract his unsubstantiated, nay, his refuted assertion that Mr Wiley is not fit enough for the modern game.
The arrogance and impunity with which Sir Alex and his Old Trafford outfit carry themselves around has long been decried by many but now it has come to the fore in a manner we just cannot ignore.
It is high time that the FA took a serious look at it and proved that there are no sacred fish in the game. Sir Alex should be handed a fitting and deterring punishment consistent with the spirit of bringing back respect to the game, which I hope all Man U fans cherish.
By Jay Bwika.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:57 PM.
it is clear that the majority of these posts are from man united fans. manc fans are bad as red face fergie.
Take his Sir away.
By scouse.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:28 PM.
Grow up! Football is about passion. People say things in the heat of the moment. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they're wrong. SAF is right more often than not. It's all part of what makes the game what it is. Stop whining and get on with it. This just makes the referees, who have a difficult, thankless job, look like hysterical schoolgirls. Get over it!
By ericthered.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:14 PM.
Fergie should be served with a season long touchline ban . Alan wiley makes right decisions thats why fergie is angry with him . If he gives them unnecessary penalty or time . He'll be alright . where was he when manchester city was robbed @ OT
By El Nino.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:19 PM.
Firstly, we all fall short sometimes, managers, players and refs. But It was quite cringe inspiring for me never mind the embarassed 4th official who fergy(never call him sir again) was ranting and swearing at. a sir? If manure fans had any virtue about them, they would put thier hands up and say he was totally outa order. your trying to fool the people and your fooling yourselves would fergy lose it had manure been in front. we all know the answer. must be a touchline ban....maybe the players would appreciate it too!
By reubz.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:19 PM.
Grow up! Football is about passion. People say things in the heat of the moment. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they're wrong. SAF is right more often than not. It's all part of what makes the game what it is. Stop whining and get on with it. This just makes the referees, who have a difficult, thankless job, look like hysterical schoolgirls. Get over it!
By ericthered.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:20 PM.
Julia.. listen to what the majority of other people are saying. its not about who is right or wrong, this really comes down to the fact that alex f (and man u as a team) get away with bad behaviour and cheating like no other club could and its about time the FA were made accountable for it.
By james.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:25 PM.
Why are the Refs Associaton saying that Sir Alex should be kicked out of the game. Has any of the blundering Refs been kicked out of the game for far worse than saying someone was not fit enough in a match. NO! Nothing was done when England was beaten by the hand of god insident. Other things have cost clubs a lot of money in some of the compitions that are in football. But are the Refs punished, NO! So now they are crying because one of there Refs has had a comment made that he was not fit enough. I thought that this was a free Country. You wouldn't think so with the Refs Association now would you. When the Refs Association find time to punish their Refs better then they can start talking about kicking someone out of football. They want to look at their own shop before trying to tell others to kick someone out. Referee's have alot to answer for over the years and still nothing has improved. Why did they not protest when they were accused of being CORRUPT or NEEDING GLASSES. To me they were more serious than this. But maybe this is because they were frightened of that going to court and being found that it was true. They should really be ashamed of themselves for all the wrong decisions that they have made and not been punished for. If it wasn't for people like Sir Alex standing up for his team and other Managers Referee's would be allowed to run ruffshot over every club and get away with it. But Managers who say what they think are now not allowed to speak. Tell me who does punish these bad Referee's when they get it wrong. Even when papers say how bad the Referee's had been in matches. They didn't take the papers to court did they. They should be taken to court for even saying that Sir Alex should be kicked out of football for saying something that is true in our game today. The Association of Refs should be listening to the Managers , not trying to get them kicked out of the game. No one is right all the time, we all know that. So this game is give and take. Someone from each club should be allowed to speak up and I think it should be the Managers. So if the Association for the Referee's want to be found to be fair then let the Managers have their say and stop acting like spoilt little kids, crying over nothing. The clubs should be allowed to take Referee's to court for lost Revenue if Sir Alex is taken to court. Then where would the game of football be . IN COURT AND NOT ON THE FFIELD OF PLAY. So wake up to the Association of Referee's.
By Julia Read.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:04 PM.
Sounds to me like it time for a reshuffle of refereeing. I still think either 1 ref and 4 lines men (2 for each half or the pitch) or 2 refs and 2 linesmen would solve 90% of current problems. No need for cameras or off pitch officials and the refs wouldn't get so much pressure on them.
By pete hall.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:06 PM.
I don't agree with the Managers not being able to voice their opinions. They should be allowed to say what they think. But I don't think the Referee's should get away with all the mistakes they make every single week. Someone as got to help the players on the park, because if the players say anything they get booked, if the Managers say anything they get touchline bans and fines. So tell me what do the Refs get for all there mistakes, nothing. They don't even admit when they are wrong. At least Sir Alex has apologised to Mr. Wiley. Can you tell me when these referee's will be fined for losing clubs excess amount of money when they make a terrible mistake. And if Sir Alex is going to be punished for saying a ref was not fit enough, why weren't the Managers who said about them they are corrupt, need there eyes testing. I think those comments are far worse than saying someone was not fit enough. The Ref Assosiation seems to be calling the kettle black, by not punishing the other comments which are far worse than complaining about this one. They want to start to listen to what the managers are saying because most managers have complaints about the refs ib nearly every game. I sit at home myself and say that ref was behind play when that happened and the lines man did not put his flag up, yet the ref gives many a free kick or through in from that position. They even over rule the linesman when the linesman is in the better position. They should punish all not just pick on one Manager like they seem to be doing now. If this is not biased then I will eat my hat. They have over blown the situation and the papers are making it sound worse than what it is. This probably will not now be shown for being honest about the press.
By Julia Read.. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:39 AM.
Everything starts from somewhere .It is not a a taboo that many decision goes in favour of man u specially the home games. and it is not one off decisions they went in theyr favour .This has builded up and Fergie took it for granted .Simple.Sir Alex is very much wright to question theyr integrity or fitness.All it has gone wrong only is that he said at the moment the decision goes against them.Otherwise blatant penality like the one when they were playng against arsenal on Arshavin what u can say ? and Arsene Wenger took it for granted to not get any kind of decision wright against Man u put it in this way "OLD TRAFORDISH ".To me it has gone to far hence i question not Fergie not a single referee but the FA.They are the one that has to Answer .
By alex.. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:20 AM.
It should be both ways. Why can some of those idiots and incompetent do whatever on the ground, and get away with it. Their incompetence should be discussed in court as well. How many times did their iresponsible judgement spoil the match, and brought trouble among players and fans?
By referee.. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:07 AM.
I am a Man Utd Fan. As a democratic Nation Managers should give their openion on Refs, and refs should answer back, the F. A. should listen, discuss openly and take decisions for the best. All fans want is HONESTY. Mistakes must be put right,[eg.Red Card to Rio Ferd. than given to Green] Players and Managers are penilised, What about Refs. Can anyone give any news of what happened to the Ref That robbed Chelsea a plase In Last year Euro Final, yet Chelsea Players were harshely penilised, Why?
As for Sir Alex The F.A. should be proud of as they should be proud of Cappello, and all the hard working Managers.
By John Camilleri.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:57 AM.
It wasn't long ago fergie was telling his players to stop bullying the refs, so its more evidence that fergie is a total HYPOCRITE
By jim.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:49 AM.
Ferguson has been getting away with this for years, a small fine of a few thousand makes no difference to him, a touchline and coaching ban is the only punishment. He signed up to the 'respect' project for refs some time ago and look at his behaviour since, even his own players are scared of him the way he rants up and down the touchline. A disgrace to football and sport
By norman hamilton.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:41 AM.
Rafa Benitez was right
By Gift.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:46 AM.
Dianes comment said it all for me too. How that man ever got a knighthood god only knows.must be the most undeserved award of all times. When Didier Drogba reacts the whole world & his wife goes against him. when Fergerson reacts? well lets just wait & see if fair really does mean fair.
By lucy .. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:46 AM.
Fergie has finished the career of Wiley as a top class premiership referee and he should be banned for a month from the touchline by the FA.
By ScoopeX.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:29 AM.
Ferguson shoukd be stripped of his knighthood which he shoud never have had in hte first place for doing an extremely well paid job. He is a foul mouthed lout and should be kicked out of football, most of his players are the same , a disgrace to football ! This has been going on for years at Man Utd and they nearly always get away with it.
I understand feeling run high ,I have been there and seen it for myself following my club,but Man Utd have never had any discipline and it's easy to see why - just look at the manager.
I watched the game on tv and he just completely lost it - and why ? because they were losing at the time !Then he had the nerve to say enough time wasn't added on, who does he think he is ? Please add some more time on ref to see if we can win whinge whinge. Horrible person !
By Dianne.. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:08 AM.
ferguson is just a bully.just ban him from any contact with the players for 24 hours before any game for 2 months,the fines dont mean didly to a club the size of utd.if it happens again double the ban,and so on and so on,suing him will only be a fine and the club would probably pay it anyway
By roy.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:47 AM.
Whether Mr Wiley was good bad or indifferent is not the point. How can parks referees get respect when this is the example from a knight of the realm. To really make the pont the FA should do 3 things;
1 impose a huge personal fine
2 make a season long touchline ban
3 impose a 12 points penalty on the club suspended for 3 years but immediately applied if the club can't control its employees.
Without doing these things they may as well scrap their respect initiative.
By TOMMY JACKSON.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:44 AM.
To all those saying Rafa Benitez was right what he said about SAF...do not forget that only two games ago Rafa suggested that a certain ref needed glasses when the ref officiated Liverpool game.
Then we have most of the other managers complaining about most refs...and I think they are
right. I think all managers have a right to voive their own opinion about referees.
Mr. Wiley could not cope with the pace of the game. Period.!!
By Krispin.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:37 AM.
I think Ferguson should be made to undergo the referees' fitness exams.
That might shut his big mouth.
By Harry Barracuda.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:39 AM.
What he hell is wrong everyone here??
FIFA is the problem. They act like dictators who cannot stand for anyone who are of a different opinion as themselves. The FIFA is strongly against using video evidence as a method of defence for players although the football associations around the world use it to discipline players. The use of goalmouth cameras is also not popular. Just ask yourself why?
The use of cameras and video would show how many times the ref has made the wrong decision.
In the UK we have freedom of speech. Maybe Sir Alex is right, maybe he is wrong, but he is a manager who fights for what he believes to be right A lot of people are jealous of him because of what he has won and what he has done for the game in England. Football is an emotional sport; sometimes something is said in the heat of the moment then on reflection things look different. The referees are human beings who, just as everyone else, are prone to making mistakes, just like everyone else don't like their mistakes being criticised. Referees are not perfect -- they just like to think they are. The majority of people who post their opinions here should learn what the word RESPECT means. SAF was knighted for his services to the game. And is respected all over the world. RESPECT IT!!!
By David.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:30 AM.
I'm a United fan, and i agree with Gerard's comment about some players being rested
By Red Cridd.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:15 AM.
'Sack the idiot who is their boss and bring in a top Italian or German!'
What a stupid statement! The game is suffering for officials at the lower end of the scale and if nothing substantial is done by the FA to Ferguson (Doesn't deserve the title 'Sir') then over time it will get even worse.
I would rather the senior referees, threatened not to officiate at Man Utd games untill such times as he is severely punished.
However, we all know that the FA have no balls where he is concerned.
Rafa Benetiz (A man I don't like) could be proved right, after all!
By Paul.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:12 AM.
i can.t understand how far this as gone ,that whinger leighton wants to grow up moaning about the ref being chanted at, about not being fit, he,s just enjoying is 5mins of fame, gonna call for a strike next for the thinskinned babys i mean refs
By richie.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:11 AM.
If the clubs sued the refs every time they made a mistake, sometimes costing clubs millions, the courts would not be able to cope.We have the means to help them, but they won't use them.But some refs can't even use a watch
By john.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:07 AM.
Im a Utd fan, but the reality is Fergie was looking for a scapegoat after Utd's very poor performance, which it has to be said, was due the his decision to rest so many regulars.
P.S Foster needs to be dropped asap
By Gerard.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:04 AM.
Sir A.F. comments should be taken in and discussed at the highest level, but he should bare in mind referees are only human and are not paid the shocking amounts of money the players are. Prehaps it's time for video evidence to be brought into the game...
In any other industry, other than sport, A.F's comments would be treated as "Bullying In The Workplace"
By Red Cridd.. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:00 AM.
Okay it's fashionable to knock Ferguson but on this occasion he was spot on. I'm a Liverpool fan who attended that game with my united supporter brother and Alan Wiley was very, very poor. The guy did take every opportunity to take a breather. He did not allow either team to take a quick free-kick during the whole game. It would be interesting to see the stats for how long the ball was actually in play during the 90 minutes. My guess would be less than the average 60 minutes.
By Big Rear.. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:53 AM.
i think everybody should look at this with thier eyes open, and not blinkered like everybody seems to be, the comment that fergie made was an in the heat of the moment thing and to somewhat true, but to tarnish all refs the same would be wrong, but thats not fergie doing that, its the media and certain people on here, did hughes or rafa get into trouble for more or less saying that the refs are corrupt when it comes to playing at utd, so now its all the refs joining together to sue fergie, well ifs thats the case then all the players that have been abused by the fans chanting racist and hurtful things towards them or thier familys should be able to do the same, or is the next step for the refs to sue the fans for chanting ( you fat *******!! or your not fit to referee ) so mr wiley is going to try and sue fergie for being a ( fattist ) i think mr wiley should look in the mirror and he would see that he is the fattest.!!!!!
By redtony16.. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:56 AM.
Why does anybody give this buffoon any time at all, he is a disgrace to the title "knight of the realm". It really is time to retire.
By richie.. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:57 AM.
Irrespective of what Leighton wants to harp on about, the fact is that English referees are amongst the most inept in world football.
I watch the EPL every weekend, as well as the Italian, German and Spanish leagues. Those referees are head and shoulders above those who officiate in our game.
We should sack the idiot who is their boss, bring in a top Italian or German to sort out those incompetent men in black, then managers and players will not have much to complain about. Fergie, Big Sam, Wenger and Mark Hughes cannot all be wrong.
By trev.. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:32 AM.
Alan Leighton, if he wants to sue SAF, needs to be prepared to send all his refs to Old trafford then and undergo a training session to see if they meet SAF's interpretation of fit.If they don't, and they won't because they are on the whole older, then Fergie is right. Or put them in a race with Giggs.
But not Berba.
By nrflkred.. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:04 AM.
The question is not so much about how much the ref is running, but surely it is, is he keeping up with the action to make the correct decisions?
By Roy.. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:58 AM.
mr baby alex is getting old he shloud retire now and stop makeing pepole lov at him
By keith.. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:43 AM.
Fergie should be allowed his comments, however wouldnt it and be nice if we let the refs referee wothout any of this of this crap. everyone makes mistakes he got 3 points the week before with mitakes. The best teams always come out on to to with or without the the comments. Mr Ferguson you are prove to be a top manager please do not disgrace yourself. Please take peoples referees and other peoples views the way you would expect them to take yours. Lets talk talk talk and talk abou our great game and follow our team howovee small they are
By russian hat.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:55 AM.
Such an over reaction. I mean the man has said sorry. What happened to the UK being a free speech nation. I mean a Strictly Dancer on BBC One used a disgraceful racist remark and all that is talked about is Fergie having his view on the ref!!!!
I mean a few weeks ago Wenger and Hughes hinted that ref's are corrupt by always giving Man United decisions. I think that is a much worse accusation that what Fergie has said!!!!!!
Alot of people need to grow up and move on !!!!!!!!!!
By Rory .. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:44 AM.
Well said Sir Alex , these refs are lazy and useless bunch of men except for a few . Though i disagree on picking Wiley , the rest is true !!
By Tom V.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:37 AM.
James, ur off ur head, referees actually cover more ground than the so called "younger professionals" what do you actually want, "robots". I think todays officials do an excellent job, covering the pitch as they do and officiating matches that has become more important as the amount of money thats put into the "game". "Game", thats a joke, the football i used to enjoy watching 2 teams compete to win a match, not about 1 team having the most expensive players in the world. I used to have the utmost respect for Sir Alex, but as he's got older he has epitomised all that is wrong with the game
By Mark.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:28 AM.
Fergie is an egotistical, vile muppet. Throw the book at him FA!!!
By Dom.. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:17 AM.
only seven players ran further than him?? put it into perspective:
There are only 22 players, discount the 2 keepers, 4 centre backs and 4 strikers and you have 10 players who don't run much anyway so that leaves 8 midfieders and 4 full backs, so he only ran further than 5!!then you must consider that some of those five were also substituted or sent off in the game, while he was on for the entire game!!
statistics are bull, he should be doing more running than every player on the pitch
By james.. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:59 PM.
Didn't Rafa say last seasom that we should forget the Respect campagin because Fergie was killing them, looks like he was right.
By Samuel.. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:10 PM.