Sir Alex Ferguson has owned up and apologized for his criticism of Alan Wiley for being ‘unfit’ in Manchester United’s last match against Sunderland, but there seems to be a vendetta out for the gaffer.
The head of the referees, Alan Leighton, has openly stated that Ferguson’s apology was not heart-felt and he should have the book thrown at him.
An apology applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault, and it should be taken for what it is worth.
Heat
When a manager comes off the field from a loss or a draw, their emotions are running high and adrenaline is pumping through their veins, so it is unjust to hold them accountable for their words or views.
Even at 68 years of age, Sir Alex is one of the most passionate managers in the game, and has always been outspoken if something does not go his or United’s way.
Managers, players and the coaching staff are all subjected to press conferences following a match, and for them not to say something off the cuff is not uncommon and should be expected.
He is not the first (nor the last) manager to think that the fitness levels of the referees, but he is the first one to question it.
Expectation
Was Sir Alex wrong to criticize the fitness levels of the referee? The answer has to be no.
As Ferguson stated in his “rant,” the speed of the game has dramatically increased, and the referees need to keep up and there needs to be a change the fitness requirements for all referees.
The referee assessments and requirements need to come from someone outside of that federation, because there is favoritism and bias towards your former union members.
Sir Alex has always been outspoken towards referees, because he not only expects perfection from his players, but the referees as well.
To be a referee at the top-level, they must have confidence, but some of these referees are too arrogant for their own good. Sometimes the referees forget the golden rule of refereeing, and that is, you are never bigger than the game.
Legal
Wiley has been urged by Prospect, the referee’s Union, to think about suing Sir Alex and make him pay for the comments that he made.
It is a joke that they are urging this, because as former England manager Graham Taylor once said, “I was just saying to your colleague the referee has got me the sack, thank him ever so much for that, won't you?"
If Wiley sues Ferguson over his comments, he will be opening up a can of worms. Players, managers and clubs will then look for ways to sue the referees.
Sir Alex Ferguson has ridiculed many players, opposition managers and referees during his 24 years with Manchester United, so Mr. Wiley should accept his apology and put an end to this over talked about debacle.
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