Source: Daily_Mail
Fergie to say sorry again after ref Wiley is backed with showpiece game
Sir Alex Ferguson will send a second apology to the FA in a final attempt to avoid a misconduct charge over the verbal attack on Alan Wiley's fitness which has infuriated referees. [LNB]Wiley's bosses have delivered a defiant response to the ManchesterUnited manager's first attempt to say sorry by putting the ref incharge of Manchester City's game at Wigan on Sunday - one of theweekend's live TV games. [LNB] Making a point: Manchester United boss Fergie has his say with official Wiley[LNB]And United officials appear to accept that Ferguson's initial statement - issued on the club's website - didn't go far enough. [LNB]Sources say they have drafted a new letter to send to the FA once Sir Alex returns from a family holiday in the United States in the next 24 hours. He is also said to be planning to call Wiley to explain his comments in person. [LNB]Half-hearted: Sir Alex Ferguson's 'apology' has been condemned by referees' union chief Alan Leighton [LNB]United's boss has until Friday to submit his response after asking for more time to explain his accusation following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland that the 49-year-old official was not fit enough to do his job. [LNB]Wiley's colleagues are delighted with his appointment to Sunday's game with a fellow Premier League ref saying: 'This is exactly what we wanted - for Alan to go out and referee this weekend. [LNB]'I'm sure he will be doubly focused to make sure he's not affected. 'It hasn't affected him off the field and it won't affect him on the field either.'[LNB]Alan Leighton, of the referees' union Prospect, piled more pressureon the United boss by decrying his apparent belief, contained in anattempted apology, that English referees are not as fit as theirEuropean counterparts.[LNB]Leighton told BBC 5 Live on Monday: 'I think it's a half-heartedapology at best and probably exacerbates the position rather thanresolving it. [LNB]'Referees are very fit. The punishment should be a UEFA-type coaching ban, which is rather more than a touchline ban.' [LNB] [LNB] Top ref Mark Clattenburg hits out at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, insisting officials will raise their performance at Old TraffordMan United boss Ferguson faces FA charge for Wiley attack as refs retaliateGraham Poll: Time for the FA to get tough with Sir Alex Fergie still in the dock: Sir Alex says sorry to ref Wiley, but it won't save himMANCHESTER UNITED FC
