Source: SKY_Sports
Wenger wades into ref row
Arsene Wenger has told referees to 'keep their distance' from players in the wake of the Alan Wiley controversy, while Manchester United defender Gary Neville has supported Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about the official.
Red Devils manager Ferguson described Wiley as 'unfit' following the 2-2 draw against Sunderland prior to the international break, although he has since apologised for his remarks.
Wenger has no problems with the fitness of match officials in the Premier League but believes there is another issue that needs to be addressed.
Wiley reportedly called Rooney 'Wazza' during the match at Old Trafford and Wenger feels some referees run the risk of being over-friendly with certain players.
"Referees have to keep their distance from managers and players," said Arsenal boss Wenger.
"Fitness-wise there is no problem in England with referees
"When you ask me if I have been close to the referees I say no - I do not want to.
"For them to do their job in an objective way they have to keep their distance as much as possible.
"The best way not to create any doubt in anybody's mind is to have the same behaviour with everybody."
Neville, meanwhile, has defended Ferguson for his criticism of Wiley and insisted he does not deserve to be harshly punished.
Neville agreed with his manager that Wiley was perhaps taking too long to brandish yellow cards.
"The manager has taken flak for suggesting Alan Wiley wasn't fit enough to take charge against Sunderland," Neville commented.
"To be honest, I did feel Mr Wiley was taking quite a long time to book players.
"The fans and the public want honesty. But the FA throw the book at us if we give honest comments."
