Source: Daily_Mail
Referees demand apology from Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson
Referees are demanding a public apology from Sir Alex Ferguson for an apparent slur on the integrity of Martin Atkinson.[LNB]Last night the referees' union weighed into the row as the FA deliberate on whether tocharge the Manchester United boss over his comments following his side's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night.[LNB]Alan Leighton, whose union Prospect is engaged to represent match officials, said: 'The ball is in Sir Alex's court. I'm less interested in whether he's charged thanremoving this stigma from the referee at Stamford Bridge. [LNB] Off the hook: Ferguson was fuming that David Luiz wasn't sent off after appearing to foul Wayne Rooney[LNB]'The referees are saying that if one is questioned then it questions them all. None of them want their integrity impaired. So the best way would be a retraction.'[LNB]The FA have until 4pm on Friday to decide whether to press charges, a move whichwould activate an extended touchline ban as he still has a two match suspensionhanging over him for his attack on Alan Wiley in November 2009.[LNB]The FA have requested video footage from MUTV of a post-match interview in whichFerguson said: 'It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee. When I saw who was refereeing it, I feared the worst.'[LNB] So, who will blink first? United heading for title showdown with Arsenal... but don't rule out Chelsea yetCharlton and Giggs at 606 picture special: Two legends, same venue, different eraCarrick defends Fergie's referee rant as United star urges officials to get it rightAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Martin Atkinson
