Source: Daily_Mail
Graham Poll: Time for the FA to get tough with Sir Alex
Difference of opinion: Alex Ferguson argues with the fourth official[LNB] I never thought I would see the day when Sir Alex Ferguson said sorry to a referee. But the most successful British manager of all time has not taken leave of his senses and given an unequivocal apology.[LNB] Moreover, the Manchester United boss, who must officially explain his outburst by tomorrow, will probably still contest any FA charge.[LNB] Within the apology, Ferguson managed to question if modern referees are fit enough to keep up with Premier League players while saying he did not question Alan Wiley's integrity - a key point when defending a charge.[LNB] But the apology is still surprising and begs the question: why has Ferguson done it now? After all, the attack on Wiley was by no means his worst on a referee.[LNB] The reason could be the public reaction to an unfair attack on a referee who did little wrong and ends up being blamed. Now it is over to the FA.[LNB] A financial penalty has little more than irritant value while the FA's touchline ban of managers is ineffective compared to UEFA's.[LNB] Here, a manager who has a ban can still brief his team before the game, communicate with his staff in the technical area and throw the tea cups around at half-time. In Europe, the ban is from the dressing room area from an hour before kick-off and includes half-time.[LNB] That can make a difference, so much so that Jose Mourinho was alleged to have been smuggled into the dressing rooms in a laundry basket. I wouldn't expect that from Ferguson who, despite his apology, is nowhere near a basket case. [LNB] Ferguson faces FA charge for attack on Wiley as refs retaliate Fergie still in the dock: Sir Alex says sorry to ref Wiley, but it won't save himRio woe will put fears into Fabio: Ferdinand's mental lapses proving costly Ukraine 1 England 0: Fabio Capello gives referee a rocket as Wayne Rooney is England's bright spark [LNB] [LNB]
