Source: Daily_Mail
FA probe Fergie's attack on ref Wiley after United leave it late to scrape a point
The Football Association are set to decide whether to charge Sir Alex Ferguson with misconduct after the Manchester United manager accused referee Alan Wiley of being physically unfit following the 2-2 draw against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.[LNB] Ferguson lashed out after his below-par team needed a late own-goal to rescue a point.[LNB] Afterwards he accused Wiley of being in poor shape in a remarkable attack filmed by United's in-house TV station. Ferguson said: 'It's an indictment on our game that this referee was not fit enough. It took him at least 30 seconds every time he booked a player and I think that is because he wanted to take a rest. But he didn't add on that time. The referee did not add enough time, not at all.'[LNB] Sir Alex Ferguson could be charged with misconduct after he accused Alan Wiley of being physically unfit to referee his side's clash with Sunderland[LNB] Ferguson's comments are curious, given that Wiley was the fourth official at the Manchester derby a fortnight ago in which United's winner came five-and-a-half minutes into added time. On that occasion Ferguson was laughing and joking with Wiley as his team snatched victory.[LNB] Wiley was not available for comment last night but is understood to be 'very upset' by the manager's attack.[LNB] The Premier League, who effectively employ the referees, want the FA to take action. The FA have confirmed that they will look at Ferguson's comments and the context in which they were made this morning and then decide whether to act. They have already written to all Premier League clubs this season urging their managers to rein in comments about officials.[LNB] Sunderland players surround Wiley after he sends off Kieran Richardson at Old Trafford[LNB] If Ferguson is charged and found guilty of misconduct he is likely to be fined or face a touchline ban.[LNB] Wiley is a private individual and not likely to discuss Ferguson's comments in public but he is also known to pride himself on his physical fitness.[LNB] All referees on the Premier League roster have to pass certain physical tests before and during the season and this includes, for example, running 40 metres in just over six seconds. Man Utd 2 Sunderland 2: Ferdinand own goal rescues a point for leadersFight your own flab Fergie: Fat ref jibe is an attempt to mask Manchester United's poor formGraham Poll - The Official Line: FA must punish Fergie's cruel attackRef didn't add enough time and wasn't fit, rants United boss Sir Alex FergusonMANCHESTER UNITED FC
