Wiley reveals torment over Fergie jibe but vows not to sue Man United boss

24 November 2009 14:36
Alan Wiley has decided against suing Sir Alex Ferguson for defamation but today expressed his 'bitter disappointment' with the Manchester United manager's attack on his fitness.   [LNB]Ferguson was given a four-match touchline ban, two of them suspended, and a £20,000 fine by the FA for saying Wiley 'just wasn't fit enough' to officiate in United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland in October.  [LNB] The United manager has apologised for his remarks and referees' union Prospect confirmed Wiley would not be pursuing a case for defamation against Ferguson.   [LNB] Outburst: Sir Alex Ferguson said referee Alan Wiley was not fit enough to officiate[LNB] Delay means Ferguson will still be in the dugout when Man United face EvertonFergie reveals dealing with pampered players is worst part of being the bossFerguson's two-match touchline ban will not faze Man United, says VidicA full Alex Ferguson retraction would end Alan Wiley row says referees union Wiley said: 'Although I was bitterly disappointed about the personalattack on me I want to put this behind me and continue to concentrateon my refereeing.'[LNB]Prospect has also written to the FA to seek greater support forreferees and calling for stronger action if there are similar attacksin the future.  [LNB]Yellow card: Wiley callls for end to Fergie row [LNB][LNB] Prospect national secretary Alan Leighton said: 'Unwarranted anduntrue attacks on referees damage the hard-earned reputation of ourmembers, call into question their integrity and damage the image of thegame by suggesting that the referees are incapable of doing their job. [LNB]'Referees understand and accept that their decisions will be questioned, but personal attacks are unacceptable."  [LNB] Leighton also defended Prospect against criticism that it had chose this case to become very publicly involved.   [LNB]He added: 'Prospect adopted a policy when we started representingreferees four years ago that we would not make public comment on everycriticism made by ex-referees or managers.  [LNB] 'The seriousness of the recent attack forced the union to departfrom that policy. We will, however, continue to defend members wheretheir professionalism is publicly questioned.' [LNB] Delay means Ferguson will still be in the dugout when Man United face EvertonFergie reveals dealing with pampered players is worst part of being the bossFerguson's two-match touchline ban will not faze Man United, says VidicA full Alex Ferguson retraction would end Alan Wiley row says referees union[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Alex Ferguson

Source: Daily_Mail