The Libero: Fergie outburst nothing more than a slap in FA's face

2009-10-06

Considering the words came from someone who is as accustomed to airing his views as he is to winning trophies, Sir Alex Ferguson's latest outburst was hardly surprising.

But what did manage to shock this time was the personal, almost vitriolic, nature of his rant.

Leaving aside Ferguson's complaint about the 'missing' 30 seconds of stoppage time during Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland - he may actually have had a point on that one - his claim that referee Alan Wiley is now too "unfit" to referee at the highest level was arrogant, demeaning and plain wrong.

Television stations have been quick to show footage of Wiley huffing and puffing during the latter stages of the game, but the plain truth is that he would not have been refereeing that game if he was not up to it.

Sure, he may be carrying a touch of excess middle age weight - after all, not every referee of a certain age can be as svelte as David Elleray - but, according to another former referee Dermot Gallagher, all professional officials are obliged to undergo daily checks on their health and fitness.

The results of those tests are analysed by boffins in white coats who then inform the Premier League which of the subjects are fit enough to referee games. And more importantly, which are not.

Quite clearly, Wiley fell into the former category. And, unsurprisingly, the latest Prozone stats gathered at the game have served to back him.

Reassuringly, it all seems very scientific. Quite unlike Ferguson's vein-popping, knee-jerk assessment of the Staffordshire official's physical condition.

You have to feel sorry for Wiley, who will now find it difficult to referee anywhere, not just a game that United are involved in, for the remainder of the season. Those merciless terrace song-makers are already sure to be conjuring up some witty fatist verse as you read this.

But there are deeper, perhaps more serious undertones to Ferguson's comments, namely the effect they have had on the FA's increasingly doomed Respect campaign.

His words only served to undermine the already struggling initiative. Indeed, they are threatening to make a total mockery out of it.

Respect? Ferguson's criticism of Wiley and his haranguing of fourth official Mike Dean during the game - damningly and colourfully caught on camera - showed none whatsoever.

The answer? Impose stiff sanctions on Ferguson. Hit him with a touchline ban and give him a fine. Make a stand and discourage other managers from behaving in the same way, even if it means incurring the wrath of the great man himself.

You never know, he may even back down for once and issue a grovelling apology.

Now that really would be surprising.

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